Regardless of the recession companies that make and sell shooting and
hunting products have been fortunate to enjoy a steady stream of
business. For 2014, outside of firearms, things don’t look like they are going to slow down either.
According to a recent HunterSurvey.com poll, the majority of shooters and hunters expect to spend as much on shooting and hunting equipment as they did last year.
Of those sportsmen surveyed, nearly 52 percent reported they plan to spend at least the same amount as they did last year on accessories and shooting supplies, while 20 percent anticipate spending slightly more and almost 10 percent expect to spend “significantly more” in 2014. Less than seven percent expect to spend “significantly less” than they did a year ago.
Key product categories surveyed shooters and hunters expect to purchase in the next 12 months are:
74 % Ammunition
40 % Gun cleaning supplies
38 % Handguns
37 % Hunting apparel
35 % Targets
32 % Miscellaneous Hunting Gear (stands, feeders, calls, etc.)
Bowhunting gear and optics are also anticipated to be purchased by more than 20 percent of those surveyed.
“Recreational shooters and hunters are passionate about their sports. These survey results show that regardless of economic times, most sportsmen will continue to set aside dollars to purchase the gear they need to keep hunting and shooting,” says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs/ conducts the surveys.
“While firearm sales are declining compared to recent historic highs, sales currently remain well above long term averages,” said Southwick. “Between 20-38% of active participants express interest in buying new shotguns, rifles or handguns, respectively.”
Sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the bi-monthly surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey.com.
