FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - While a still-struggling economy and near-record unemployment remain the central topic of the coming midterm elections, it appears the spending habits of sportsmen in 2010 have stayed the course when compared to purchases made the previous year. When asked by HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com if they were buying more, less or about the same amount of gear used for their sport this year when compared to last, 40.0 percent of hunters said the amount they purchased has remained the same, while 39.6 percent of anglers said there had been no change in their buying habits. That compares to 40.1 percent and 37.8 percent respectively when asked the same question in 2009.
Anglers responding that they were buying more in 2010 showed the biggest percentage change from 2009 with six and a half percent fewer fishermen (22.7 percent in 2009 versus 16.2 percent this year) saying their purchases have increased. Meanwhile, 39.5 percent said they would buy less this year when compared with 36.4 percent in 2009.
The number of hunters expecting to spend more in 2010 dropped only slightly to 19.8 percent from 21.6 percent the previous year. Of those anticipating fewer purchases, 35.7 percent said they would be spending less compared to 33.5 percent in 2009. Considering the natural variation common to any poll, the differences are not considered significant.
"This is decent news for sporting goods manufacturers and retailers who have been uncertain about the effects of the soft economy. While it appears a slow economic recovery is preventing some sportsmen from rushing out and spending at levels seen in 2007, it appears sales in 2010 will fair rather well, given the softness seen in other retail sectors," said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys. "Once we get through the current hunting season and upcoming holidays, we'll know for sure."
Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in the surveys conducted on HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.
About AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States.