What Is the Economic Impact of Bowhunter Retail Sales?

Bowhunting is a popular outdoor pursuit and a significant component of economic activity across the United States. Participants engage in this sport for various reasons, including wildlife management, food procurement, and the challenge of the hunt. This engagement translates into substantial financial contributions to local and national economies, primarily through retail purchases of specialized equipment and related goods. The economic footprint of bowhunting underscores its role as a measurable economic force.

Defining Bowhunting Retail Purchases

Bowhunting retail purchases encompass tangible goods acquired directly from retail establishments. This category includes a broad array of specialized equipment and gear, such as compound, recurve, or traditional bows, along with various types of arrows and broadheads. Archery accessories, including quivers, mechanical releases, sights, and stabilizers, are also considered retail purchases.

Beyond primary archery equipment, bowhunters frequently purchase hunting-specific apparel like camouflage clothing, specialized boots, and scent control products. Tree stands and ground blinds are also common retail acquisitions. Licenses and permits, when purchased through a retail vendor, contribute to these sales figures. These items are distinct from broader expenses like land leases or professional guide services, as the focus remains on goods purchased from stores, whether brick-and-mortar or online, where a direct retail transaction occurs.

Methodology for Quantifying Contributions

Quantifying the economic contributions of activities like bowhunting retail sales relies on comprehensive data collection and sophisticated economic modeling. A primary source for such information is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. This extensive survey, conducted approximately every five years, gathers detailed information on participation rates and expenditures related to various outdoor activities, including hunting.

The survey collects data directly from participants regarding their spending on equipment, travel, licenses, and other related items. Industry-specific reports from organizations like the Archery Trade Association (ATA) and the Sportsmen’s Alliance also supplement this data, providing insights into specific market segments and trends. Once collected, this raw expenditure data is aggregated and analyzed using economic input-output models, such as IMPLAN. These models convert direct spending into broader economic impacts, estimating contributions to retail sales, job creation, and tax revenues across various sectors of the economy.

Annual Economic Contribution Figures

Bowhunters contribute significantly to the overall economic impact of hunting in the United States through their retail purchases. In 2022, hunting activities generated substantial revenue, with retail sales alone amounting to $45.2 billion. While this figure encompasses all forms of hunting, including firearm hunting, bowhunting expenditures form a notable segment of this total.

The U.S. archery equipment market reached an estimated $1.2 billion in 2024. This market includes the sales of bows and bow accessories, along with arrows, shafts, and broadheads. The arrow segment is also experiencing growth, reflecting increasing participation and demand for specialized components. These retail expenditures extend beyond archery-specific gear to include hunting clothing, which accounted for $1 billion in sales, and off-road vehicles, a significant expenditure for hunters at $2.5 billion in 2022.

These retail sales translate into economic support, sustaining numerous jobs and generating tax revenue. Hunting expenditures supported over 540,000 jobs in 2022, contributing to wages and income across various industries. Hunters collectively contributed nearly $38 million daily in state, local, and federal taxes, which helps fund wildlife agencies and conservation efforts. The archery equipment market is projected to continue its growth, with forecasts indicating a compound annual growth rate of 3.7% from 2025 to 2030, suggesting ongoing economic contributions from bowhunters in the coming years.