Page 2 - January/February 2023 Outdoor Oklahoma

PANORAMAS

A lack of diversity in hunting and shooting is • “For recreation” was the No. 1 motiva-
seldom mentioned at deer camp, in the local tion for target shooting.
archery shop or online hunting forums. But it is • “High cost” was the No. 1 barrier cited
one of many threats faced by fish and wildlife for target shooting.
conservation agencies. To ensure the future
of our outdoor heritage and also conservation Archery Target Shooting
itself, state fish and wildlife agencies are find- • 2.4 percent of the U.S. population 6
ing ways to support and grow a fully inclusive and older participated in archery.
Kelly Adams hunting and shooting community. • 39 percent of participants were female,
That’s why we’re excited to celebrate a the highest since 2016.
recent report, “The 2022 Special Report • Archers are slightly more diverse than
on Hunting and the Shooting Sports,” from firearms target shooters.
the Council to Advance Hunting and the • “For recreation” was the No. 1 motiva-
Shooting Sports, and the Outdoor Founda- tion for target shooting.
tion. It shows hunting and target shooting • 19 percent of participants shot solely
participation diversity has increased in the on public property/ranges.
United States over the past decade.
Some findings from the report: Although we have a ways to go, these
results are encouraging. Diversity and
Hunting inclusion are critical in securing the
• 4.6 percent of the U.S. population 6 future of conservation. The quantity of
and older went hunting at least once. voices and the diversity of perspectives
• 27 percent of participants were female, will result in more hunters and anglers,
up from 16 percent a decade ago. and more support for conservation. By
• Black and Hispanic hunters increased embracing diversity and doing what we
4 percent and 1 percent, respectively, can to support it, we can strengthen the
on average during the past three years. shooting sports,
• “For food/meat” was the No. 1 motiva- ensure their longev- To view the report,
scan this code:
tion for hunting. ity, create a stron-
• 49 percent of hunters first participated ger voice in voting
before age 18. booths, and bring
• 68 percent of hunters were introduced more ideas and
to hunting by a family member. minds to the table
to advocate for con-
Firearms Target Shooting servation issues.
• 6.2 percent of the U.S. population 6 and
older participated in target shooting.
• 32 percent of participants were female,
up from 25 percent a decade ago.
• Black or Hispanic target shooters Kelly Adams,
increased 5 percent and 4 percent, Communication Supervisor, ODWC
respectively, on average during the
past three years.