Hunting: It’s a Benefit for Everyone
Hunting is a controversial and misunderstood topic across the country. Many people are supporters of hunting, but many are opposed to it. However, many of those opposed do not realize the wide range of benefits of hunting. One benefit to hunting includes an increase in better health, both physically and mentally for the hunter. Other benefits that both avid hunters and non-hunters can benefit from are conservation, population control, as well as a significant increase in economic value. Hunting is not just about the pursuit of an animal; it’s about doing more for the environment, economy, and yourself.
Hunters play a large role in the conservation and well-being of wildlife and the habitats they call home. Conservation is one of the biggest reasons why hunting is important and beneficial. Hunters are responsible for raising millions of dollars per year for wildlife conservation and habitat management. According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, $796 million was generated for conservation efforts through the sales of hunting licenses and fees. These funds are used for habitat improvement, research, and law enforcement work to protect wildlife (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 2017, March 17). Besides generating funds from license sales, in 1937 hunters requested that there be an 11% tax added to all guns, ammo, bows, and arrow sales to fund conservation. This request for taxation is called the Pittman-Robertson Act. This legislation contributes $1.6 billion per year in annual funding to conservation efforts across the United States (Haney, 2021). Hunters also help with population control, something which plays a large part in conservation. As cities and towns grow larger, the natural habitat for wildlife becomes smaller. The natural balance of predators and prey is in turn disrupted and can affect the local ecosystem. Population control is about maintaining a balance in the local wildlife so that all living creatures can coexist. Conservation and population control plays a huge role in how hunting is a benefit for everyone, but hunting also helps stimulate the economy.
Hunters spend a great deal of money each year purchasing equipment, licenses, and travel. In 2016 nearly 11.5 million people participated in hunting activities and spent a total of $7.1 billion on equipment and an additional $3.2 billion on travel. With all additional purchases throughout the year, hunters in total spent $27.1 billion on hunting and hunting activities (National Shooting Sports Foundation et al., 2018). Hunters have an impact on the national economy, not just locally. When hunters purchase their licenses, go on a hunt out of state, or stay in a hotel room on their trip, they are having a great impact on the economy. The dollars spent help to generate tax revenues and support jobs. These purchases help generate $5.3 billion in federal taxes and $3.4 billion in state and local taxes and support as many as 525,000 jobs. These jobs are not limited to the outdoor industry. They also include retail, manufacturing, energy, and hospitality (National Shooting Sports Foundation et al., 2018). The money generated is also funded back into the conservation efforts by governmental agencies. With all the positives hunting has provided to conservation and the economy, the benefit that affects hunters the most personally is the health benefit that it offers.
Hunting has many health benefits, not only physically but also mentally. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need 150 minutes of exercise a week (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Hunting is a sport that allows a person to achieve this exercise goal. Hunting often requires long walks on uneven terrain trying to find animals or new places to hunt. Carrying equipment is also common while on these walks which adds to the difficulty of the task. These walks can be categorized as aerobic workouts. Some activities performed while hunting include walking, bending, stretching, pulling, and balancing (Abram, 2020). Often hunters must prepare for these tasks long before the hunt takes place. Besides the physical benefits hunting offers, many mental health benefits are provided. Hunting can be a natural antidepressant for most people. Being in a calm environment in nature can be relaxing and help lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Hunting is also reported to reduce stress, and sunshine is a good source of vitamin D (Abram, 2020). Hunting can also be a great social activity which may also help with a person’s mental health. Many clubs and groups are focused on helping individuals with PTSD find a way to cope and relieve stress, and hunting can be a way for them to do that.
While hunting and hunters can be viewed negatively by many people, most of the time there is a lack of understanding about the topic. Hunters are the largest contributors to keeping wildlife populations within acceptable ranges. They are also invested in maintaining habitats available to support healthy animals. With all the assistance hunters provide to conservation efforts, controlling the population of wildlife, the economy, and personal health, hunting is a benefit for everyone.
-Adam Sites, Fall Obsession Pro Staff
References
Abram, Tracie. (2020, November 18). Health Benefits of Hunting. Michigan State University
Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/health_benefits_of_hunting
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Physical Activity Basics.
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
Haney, Chris. (2021, January 20). 5 Reasons Why Hunting Is Good. Outsider.
https://outsider.com/outdoors/hunting/5-reasons-why-hunting-good/
National Shooting Sports Foundation, Allen, T., Olds, E., Scuderi, B., Howlett, D., & Caputo, L. (2018). Hunting in America - An Economic Force for Conservation. Southwick Associates.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. (2017, March 17). Hunting Is Conservation – Paid for by Hunters.
https://www.rmef.org/elk-network/hunting-conservation-paid-hunters/