Published: February 17, 2008 05:59 pm            

MARTINO: Hunters and anglers mean jobs in Indiana

Group members spend $1 billion-plus on their outdoor passions

A recent report from a Washington D.C. study proved that Indiana’s 822,000 hunters and anglers are among the most prominent and influential of all demographic groups, spending more than $1 billion a year on hunting and fishing.

This new report, “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy — A Force as Big as All Outdoors,” spotlights the immense impact sportsmen and women have on our economy, both at the state and national level.

In the Hoosier state alone, hunters and anglers directly support 19,000 jobs, which put $533 million worth of paychecks into pockets or working residents around our state. Our government benefits as well from spending by sportsmen in pursuit of these outdoor activities as it generates $106 million in state and local taxes. These latest figures demonstrate season after season that hunters and anglers are a driving force in our economy, from big business to rural towns.

“Because sportsmen enjoy hunting and fishing alone or in small groups, they are overlooked as a constituency and as a substantial economic force,” said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

In Indiana alone, sportsmen support more jobs than U.S. Steel and Delphi Electronics combined (19,000 jobs vs. 16,500).

Annual spending by Indiana sportsmen is more than the revenues of Haynes International, PacVan, and GasAmerica Services — the fastest growing companies in the state ($1 billion vs. $969 million).

Indiana sportsmen annually spend more than the combined cash receipts for hogs and cattle — two of our state’s most valuable economic commodities ($1 billion vs. $993 million).

Twice as many people hunt and fish in Indiana than attend Indiana Pacers games (822,000 vs. 630,000).

The economic stimulus of hunting and fishing equates to an astounding $3 million a day being pumped into the state’s economy.

“Spending by sportsmen benefits not only manufacturers of hunting and fishing products, but everything from local mom and pop businesses to wildlife conservation,” noted Doug Painter, president of National Shooting Sports Foundation. “And, because most hunting and fishing takes place in rural areas, much of this spending benefits less affluent parts of the state.”

On the national level, 34 million sportsmen age 16 and over spent more than $76 billion in 2006, supporting 1.6 million jobs. If a single corporation grossed as much as hunters and anglers spend, it would be among America’s 20 largest, ahead of Target, Costco and AT&T. And, if all sportsmen voted during the last presidential election, they would have equaled 31 percent of all votes cast. If all sportsmen in Indiana voted, they would have equaled 43 percent of all votes cast in our state.

Not only are these statistics impressive, if anything, they underestimate the true impact of sportsmen since they do not take into account the millions of hunters and anglers under the age of 16 or people who were not able to get out and hunt or fish in 2006.

When spending by sportsmen is thought of in business terms and compared to other sectors of the economy, it is remarkable. From small towns scattered across the landscape to Fortune 500 Companies, the activities of hunting and fishing is the equivalent to a multi-billion dollar corporation.

“It is a fairly simple equation — hunters and anglers mean jobs in states and local communities,” said Crane. “The economic impact that sportsmen have on state economies should be a wake-up call to state governments to welcome and encourage all types of hunting and fishing opportunities.”

This study was produced by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation with support from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation and SCI.

Upcoming Hunter Ed.

There are still openings available for an upcoming Indiana Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education Class. The program is mandatory for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986, before purchasing a valid Indiana hunting license.

Sponsored by the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department, the free, 10-hour class will be held March 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again, March 16 from noon to 4 p.m.

To register, you can contact the Parks office at (765) 456-7275.

Benefit concert

Phi Delta Kappa will host its fifth annual benefit concert in support of this year’s 25th annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kokomo Kids Fishing Clinic. The popular concert will take place March 1 at the local fraternity located at 2401 Saratoga (next to Cedar Crest Bowling)

Entertainment will be provided by two of central Indiana’s hottest groups, “John and Eric” and “New London Sound.” Free door prizes will be given away to several of those in attendance and silent auction will also take place featuring numerous outdoor related items.

If you are looking for something to do, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy great live music while at the same time benefiting local children who will take part in this summer’s Kids Fishing Clinic.

Tickets or concert information can be obtained by contacting Craig Carter at (765) 457-8333 (days) or (765) 455-0100 (evenings).

John Martino is the Tribune’s

outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports

department.

        

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