Synopsis "Wildlife Watching Trends: 1991-2006 - A Reference Report"
The analysis is based on the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation1. This Survey is conducted every five years to measure the extent of participation in and expenditures for wildlife-related recreation. This analysis uses data from the 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006 Surveys to examine trends in wildlife watching. Wildlife watching is (1) closely observing or attempting to identify, (2) photographing, (3) feeding, (4) visiting public areas, and (5) maintaining plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife. These activities must be the primary purpose of the trip or aroundthe- home activity. This report presents overall changes in participation nationally, regionally, and by state. It identifies trends by the types of animal watching undertaken, including bird watching, mammal watching, and other animal watching. It presents trends in wildlife-watching days and expenditures. It examines changes in wildlife-watchers' socioeconomic characteristics: age, gender, income, urban/rural, race, and ethnicity. Finally, it explores the trend in avid and casual wildlife watching.
