Hunting on the rise among blacks, most black hunters prefer small game and most hunt for food. More Hispanics and women also hunting
Blacks only comprise 10% of the hunting population, but they also only comprise 11% of the bird-watching population.
While participation in hunting among whites declines 3 points between 1980 and 2000; and bird-watching (Wildlife-watching trips at least one mile from home), participation neither increased or decreased, hunting participation among blacks increased 13.9 points and 9.8 points among Hispanics. Some from this data, although overall hunting and hunting among whites is decreasing, wildlife watching is not showing the exaggerated growth reported by other sources; and hunting participation is growing among blacks, Hispanics, and women.
While participation in hunting among whites declines 3 points between 1980 and 2000; and bird-watching (Wildlife-watching trips at least one mile from home), participation neither increased or decreased, hunting participation among blacks increased 13.9 points and 9.8 points among Hispanics. Some from this data, although overall hunting and hunting among whites is decreasing, wildlife watching is not showing the exaggerated growth reported by other sources; and hunting participation is growing among blacks, Hispanics, and women.
Of all African American hunters surveyed, small game hunting is the most popular, per USFWS. Black freshwater anglers prefer “panfish” small fish known for their table fare yielding around 3 ounces of meat. Only 35% of black anglers participate in catch and release, compared to the national average of 58%, Hispanics 45% and women 50%, showing black sportsmen hunt and fish for the table. Surveys also show black sportsmen support stocking and many agencies recommend stocking because they say it is a “pull factor” which encourages blacks to use public lands. By 2030, one in seven Americans will be black.