WDFW releases 2022 participation and spending data

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has released participation and spending data about fishing, hunting, and associated wildlife recreation in Washington in 2022, according to a Jan. 17 WDFW announcement. 

The data, collected during a national survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, documented the number of hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers and related outdoor recreationists in Washington and collected demographic information about participants, the statement said. 

“Activities made possible through WDFW’s stewardship of fish, wildlife, and ecosystems have a significant impact on Washington's economy,” wrote WDFW Director Kelly Susewind in the announcement. “Conserving fish, wildlife, and habitat and providing sustainable opportunities contribute to our way of life and identity while providing jobs and economic opportunities to our residents and generating tax revenue for the state."

The survey also quantified consumer spending related to the studied activities and how much time participants spent hunting, fishing, watching wildlife, or participating in other wildlife-related recreation activities in 2022.

Survey results showed that approximately 290,000 people went hunting, 1.2 million people went fishing, and 6.2 million people watched wildlife in 2022, according to the announcement. Participants spent more than $9 billion on equipment and trip-related expenses across all activities during this timeframe. In 2022, 4.4 million Washingtonians – 72% of the state’s population – participated in wildlife-related recreation, and 2.5 million traveled at least a mile from their homes to do so.

A report documenting full survey results is available at wdfw.wa.gov.