Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News Hunting

Spiking Interest in Hunting Due to Pandemic?

Monday, November 23, 2020

Spiking Interest in Hunting Due to Pandemic?

Americans have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for the vast majority of 2020, and depending on what state one lives in, the impact on daily life has varied from relatively benign to approaching draconian. Regardless of how any particular governing authority has responded, everyone in our country has had to make some sort of adjustment to how they operate day-to-day.

While the message of social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding indoor activities have permeated the nation, it seems that many are choosing to break the bonds of being isolated—whether voluntarily or by virtual government mandate—in their own homes.

The great escape? Hunting.

Getting out in nature, where one is naturally socially distant, to hunt game is one of our nations oldest and greatest pastimes. And now it appears to be seeing a resurgence, as Americans decide to either explore this activity as a new experience, or decide to renew their interest in a part of their past they let lie fallow.

According to some reports, several states are seeing a spike in the sale of hunting licenses. Along with the unprecedented increase in the sale of firearms this year, it would appear that there is a rebirth in the interest in our great hunting heritage.

Clearly, much of the increase in firearms sales is due to concern over personal safety during uncertain times, but an increased interest in hunting has also contributed to the rise in Americas ownership of firearms.

In Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources reported a nearly 10% increase in hunting licenses as of November 11, when compared to the same time last year. Even more impressive, there was an 80% increase reported for licenses acquired for the first time in five years—and many of those are likely first-time-ever licenses. Licenses for female hunters are up 20%, and up 18% for those aged nine or younger.

Zane Goucher, a Michigan resident, hunted as a child in Maine with his father, but had not taken to the field in 22 years.

Id been meaning to get back into it but never did,” he told the AP. COVID-19 led to a number of changes in daily life, including seeing his four children having to undergo online schooling, so Goucher decided to get back into hunting, with the pandemics impact giving him that boost to make it happen.”

Zane recently took to the field again, along with his 12-year-old daughter, as Michigans firearm deer hunting season opened. Along with getting his kids into the great outdoors, the impact on Goucher was a reawakening, kinda gets me back to my roots.”

Wisconsin, meanwhile, has seen similar increases. Archery hunting licenses are up 12%, and firearm hunting licenses have seen a 9.5% increase.

Is this a national trend? Its hard to say, as many states will not have numbers to report until the end of the year. But for many of those states where numbers are available, it appears the interest in hunting is on the rise. Maine, for example, has reported deer hunting permits have set a new state record, while Nevada and Vermont have also experienced a significant rise in hunting.

Getting out of the house, after months of isolation, is certainly a good thing to improve your mental and physical health. But getting out into nature, and taking part in our great hunting heritage, has even greater benefits; and not just for the individual hunter.

Hunters are not just integral to sound wildlife management practices, but they also help those who are less fortunate. Programs like NRAs Hunters for the Hungry have long helped those who may have difficulty feeding themselves or their family. By contributing meat from their successful hunts to food banks, generous hunters help the needy. During times like these, that generosity may be more important than ever. Of course, COVID-19 has impacted such programs, so any hunters that wish to donate their harvest should check local operations to be aware of any new rules that may apply in order for them to assist those in need.

We may not know until next year if an increase in the interest in hunting this year is a truly national trend, and a bright spot in a tumultuous 2020. Initial reports, however, look encouraging.

IN THIS ARTICLE
Hunting Covid-19
TRENDING NOW
Anti-gun Lawmakers Attempt to Ban Essential Second Amendment Arms

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

Anti-gun Lawmakers Attempt to Ban Essential Second Amendment Arms

On April 30, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the so-called “Assault Weapons Ban of 2025.” Picking up where his predecessor Dianne Feinstein left off, Schiff’s legislation would ban commonly-owned semi-automatic firearms, such as the AR-15.

Partisan Due Process Renaissance Excludes American Gun Owners

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

Partisan Due Process Renaissance Excludes American Gun Owners

An observer of American political discourse can’t go anywhere these days without being bombarded by reproachful references to the importance of “due process.”

Kansas Supreme Court Enforces PLCAA in High Profile Case

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

Kansas Supreme Court Enforces PLCAA in High Profile Case

Last week, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a significant district court dismissal in Johnson v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, deciding that Bass Pro Outdoor World and Beretta USA/Beretta Italy cannot be sued by a man who ...

Not Your Father’s DOJ: Government Actively Backs Second Amendment in Litigation

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

Not Your Father’s DOJ: Government Actively Backs Second Amendment in Litigation

It has, in theory, always been the sworn duty of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to uphold the constitutional rights of American citizens and to affirmatively protect fundamental liberties. 

UPDATE: Legislation Introduced to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

UPDATE: Legislation Introduced to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

The Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), as well as Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), have reintroduced the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act ...

Trump Administration Revives Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Provision

News  

Friday, March 21, 2025

Trump Administration Revives Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Provision

On March 20, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published an interim final rule entitled, Withdrawing the Attorney General’s Delegation of Authority. That bland title belies the historic nature of the measure, which is aimed at reviving ...

I’d Like a McHurry, Please, with a Side of No Time to Spare

News  

Monday, May 5, 2025

I’d Like a McHurry, Please, with a Side of No Time to Spare

Market research indicates that most adults (42%) who eat at McDonald’s and similar fast-food restaurants expect to receive their food within a maximum of five minutes after ordering, while for seven percent of respondents, the “fast” in ...

Rep. Sheri Biggs Introduces Bill to Ease Shotgun Purchases

News  

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Rep. Sheri Biggs Introduces Bill to Ease Shotgun Purchases

On April 28, 2025, Representative Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) reintroduced the No Frivolous Applications for Short-Barreled Shotguns (NFA SBS) Act (H.R. 3034). This legislation removes short-barreled shotguns from the National Firearms Act so that they will be treated ...

Illinois Appellate Court Upholds FOID Act in NRA-Backed Challenge

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Illinois Appellate Court Upholds FOID Act in NRA-Backed Challenge

Under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (FOID Act), Illinois requires a license and imposes fees to acquire and possess firearms.

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Votes to Advance Legislation to Protect Veterans Second Amendment Rights

News  

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Votes to Advance Legislation to Protect Veterans Second Amendment Rights

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led by Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12), held a markup for several bills. Among these bills being considered was H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.