R3
Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation
Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) encapsulates the core strategy of to engage individuals in outdoor pursuits. Hunting, trapping, angling, boating and wildlife viewing can help connect people with nature and promote health and well-being in the lives of people who participate. Recruitment attracts new participants through marketing, outreach and educational efforts. Retention maintains the interest of current participants through ongoing support and community-building. Reactivation re-engages individuals who have previously participated in outdoor pursuits but have become inactive. This framework ensures the sustainability and diversity of outdoor opportunities by broadening participation and fostering long-term engagement. These are public activities, and they are open for everyone to connect with nature.
Target Shooting
Over 800 target shooting ranges have been designed, constructed, renovated or opened to the public in the United States
Angling
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 39,935,437 people (age 16 & up) participated in angling in 2022
Hunting
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 14,374,589 people (age 16 & up) participated in hunting in 2022.
Wildlife Watching
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 148,280,092 people (age 16 & up) participated in wildlife watching in 2022.
Fishing and Hunting, Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation in the U.S.
Addendum to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
The 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (Survey) indicates that hunting and fishing remain highly important lifestyle choices in the United States. In 2022, there were 14.4 million hunters and 39.9 million anglers 16 years and older. While impressive, there are several indications that participation had declined from prior levels. A number of Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) efforts have been implemented to increase hunting and fishing participation. By taking a deep dive into Survey data, this report seeks to assist those efforts by contributing to the existing body of participation-related research.
Hidden Opportunities
The Importance of Wildlife Management Areas
Across the United States, Wildlife Management Areas have provided public access to land that is operated and maintained as a result of funding from two sources including federal excise taxes paid by companies that manufacture sporting arms, ammunition, archery equipment, and fishing gear as well as state licenses, permits and stamp revenues paid by hunters, trappers, and anglers.
In The News
Firearms & Ammunition, R3
Archery, Education, Firearms & Ammunition, R3
Education, Firearms & Ammunition, R3
Archery, R3
Archery, R3
Angling, Marine Manufacturing, R3