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The Changing Face of American Target Shooters

jeff rawlinson September 6, 2013 Leave a comment

I just had to share the recent report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.  They do a lot of research on the hunting and shooting sports market that you and I live for and some interesting trends continue in target shooting!   Of the more impressive findings is that one in five target shooters began shooting in the last five years.  This means that all the recent education programs, marketing, industry efforts, and the recent surge in gun sales has  resulted in a 20% increase in participation!  This is pretty darn important when you understand that shooters contribute heavily toward over $1 billion for wildlife conservation! Other findings include:

  • New shooters are getting younger: 66% of new shooters fall into the 18-34 year old category compared to 31% in the same age category for established shooters.
  • New shooters are female: 37% of new target shooters are female compared to 22% of established target shooters.
  • New shooters live in town: 47% of new target shooters live in urban/suburban America versus 34% of established target shooters.

For more information on this study

So….the next time you head out to the range, invite someone to go with you!  The time spent will be priceless and heritage you save may just be your own!

Jeff

About jeff rawlinson

Jeff is the Education Manager in the Communications Division with Game and Parks where he has worked for the last 15 years. He oversees the Hunter Education, Boater Education, Hunter Outreach and Shooting Range Development for the Commission and is a devout hunter, angler, wildlife viewer, naturalist, father and husband. He holds a BS and MS from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has been a Hunter Education Instructor for over 20 years, NRA firearms instructor and range officer, National Archery in the Schools Program Archery Instructor Specialist and member of the National NASP Board, sits on the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Hunter Recruitment and Retention Committee and Education Committee. Jeff is an avid handgun hunter, loves to chase turkeys in the spring, squirrel hunting enthusiast and philosopher of the outdoors. He is an avid shooter and loves to spend outdoor time with family and friends. He has a passion for exciting others about the outdoors. A history buff, Jeff is a strong supporter of our North American Model of Conservation and tries to spread the message of its importance and relevance every chance he gets.

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