Hunting Continues to Drive Economic Impact in Michigan

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Published: 14 November 2016

(Provided by MDNR)

Hunting Continues to Drive Economic Impact in MichiganHunting remains a vibrant annual tradition in Michigan, with generations across the state and beyond preparing for Opening Day on Tuesday, November 15. Along with that rich heritage comes a significant impact on Michigan's economy.

This year, more than 525,000 hunters are expected to participate in the annual firearms season for deer which accounts for the largest economic impact of hunting in the state. The DNR estimates more than 90 percent of Michigan hunters will pursue deer this year, with hunters spending an average of 7 days afield during the firearm season. In Michigan, 60 percent of hunters hunt only deer making the upcoming firearm season especially critical for the economy.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates hunting in Michigan generates more than $2.3 billion in economic impact in the state, including expenses related to food and lodging and $1.3 billion spent on equipment.

"Hunting provides the perfect opportunity to get out and experience Michigan's vast natural resources while contributing to the tremendous quality of life found here in our state," said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Steve Arwood. "We know hunting drives travel to Michigan as well as within the state, and that travel in turn generates economic impact for communities and businesses across Michigan."

In addition to the overall economic impact of hunting provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in 2015 leisure travel spending on hunting reached an estimated $123.8 million, up from $85 million in 2014, according to data from D.K. Shifflet. Hunting and fishing leisure travel spending came in at a combined $340 million in 2015.

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Monster Buck Shot in LaPorte County

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Published: 07 November 2016

Monster Buck Shot in LaPorte County

Trevor Draves climbed off a roof at the A-Team Construction site where he worked in Rolling Prairie, rushed home to grab his hunting gear then drove to the woods in southern LaPorte County.

It’s what avid bow hunters do in late October when the early rut is underway.

“I didn’t get in the stand until 4 o’clock,” said the 21-year-old LaPorte resident. “But when I saw a good number of does milling around, I figured it was going to be a good night.”

He had no idea just how good it would be.

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