Even in today’s wild political climate, most Americans still get it: hunting and recreational shooting are not only legal — they’re a way of life.
A nationwide study commissioned by the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) shows 76% of Americans approve of both hunting and recreational shooting. That’s solid ground, but there’s a catch — the numbers are trending down.
Let’s break it down.
Support Is Still Strong… For Now
Right now, 76% of Americans say they support legal hunting and recreational shooting. That’s a big majority. On top of that, 87% are okay with other people hunting legally, and 85% say the same about others who shoot for sport.
But here’s where things get shaky: support was even higher just a few years ago. In 2021, approval for hunting hit 81%. Now it’s dropped to 76% — and that decline is statistically significant.
Support for recreational shooting followed the same path. It’s not a huge drop, but it’s real — and it shows we’re starting to lose ground with the public.
Who’s Got Our Back?
The biggest supporters? Rural folks, Midwesterners, and men — no surprise there. People who grow up around guns, game, and tradition know the truth: hunting isn’t some blood sport — it’s a way to feed your family, manage wildlife, and connect with nature.
And when it comes to recreational shooting, support is highest in small towns and the Mountain West — the beating heart of American gun culture.
Why You Hunt Matters
Not all hunting motivations are created equal in the public eye. Americans love hunters who hunt for meat. Locally sourced food? Big thumbs up. Conservation and wildlife management? Also solid. But trophy hunting? That’s a hard sell.
The good news: approval for hunting for meat, sport, and challenge all jumped this year. That may have something to do with inflation — more Americans are realizing that putting venison on the table isn’t just tradition, it’s smart economics.
People Are Confused — And That’s a Problem
One major issue? The media muddles everything.
Too many Americans lump together sport shooting, hunting, and mass shootings like it’s all one thing. Spoiler: it’s not.
But that’s what happens when politicians and headlines blur the lines. After high-profile shootings or anti-gun speeches, surveys show support for hunting and shooting dips — even though those events have zero connection to hunters or responsible gun owners.
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Case in point: after President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union, where he called out gun violence, support for hunting dropped.
And remember the Cecil the lion debacle in 2015? That media frenzy tanked not just support for hunting — but for recreational shooting, too. Talk about guilt by association.
Hunting for What — and With What?
When it comes to species, Americans approve most of hunting deer, duck, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and elk. Not so much for predators like mountain lions.
They also judge hunting methods. Archery and traditional firearms earn the most respect. High-fence operations, high-tech gear, and baiting? Not so much. The idea of “fair chase” still matters.
Shooting for a Reason
Support for sport shooting depends on why you’re doing it. Self-defense and prepping for a hunt top the list. Hanging with buddies and challenging yourself? Less convincing to the general public.
But here’s the kicker: 70% of Americans say sport shooters are safe and responsible. That’s the kind of stat we need to hammer home — especially with 30% either unsure or thinking otherwise.
Conservation Still Counts
A solid 62% of Americans consider themselves conservationists. That’s a big opportunity.
If we keep tying hunting and shooting to conservation — as we should — we can keep building bridges with people who care about the outdoors, even if they don’t pull a trigger themselves.
Bottom Line: We’re Winning, But We’re Slipping
Support is still high. But we’re not bulletproof. Anti-gun rhetoric and sensational news stories are eating away at public understanding. We can’t assume people get the difference between hunters and criminals — because many don’t.
That’s why we’ve got to tell our story louder, prouder, and clearer than ever. Hunting feeds families. Shooting teaches discipline. Both protect traditions that built this country.
Let’s make sure future generations don’t just approve of our way of life — they live it.
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