Opening Day a Time for Tradition and Boost for Economy in Michigan

LANSING – As hunters across the state prepare to head out tomorrow morning for opening-day weekend, traditions that have been generations in the making will be observed, while Michigan’s economy reaps the benefits.

The most recent data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicate hunting in Michigan generates more than $2.3 billion in economic impact. This includes everything from trip expenses like food and lodging to equipment costs, which account for $1.3 billion of expenditures.

“We know the importance of hunting both to Michigan’s economy as well as the vast impact it has had on the traditions and culture here in the state,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Partnering with the Department of Natural Resources, and through the Pure Michigan campaign we have put an emphasis on highlighting the quality and diversity of hunting experiences our state has to offer.”

According to data from D.K. Shifflet, hunting and fishing combined for a nearly $734 million tourism-related economic impact in Michigan last year. While overall trends have seen the numbers of hunters decreasing in the past decade, expenditures have increased resulting in economic gains for the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates a per-hunter average expenditure of $885 on trips and equipment related to hunting.

“We expect nearly 700,000 hunters in Michigan’s woods this year for deer season, a great tradition in our state that brings vital dollars to our economy,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director KeithCreagh. “These hunters are a big part of Michigan’s $2.3 billion hunting economy. They make a critical contribution to natural resources and to local communities. We encourage people to get out in the woods, be safe and have fun.”

Michigan continues to rank No. 4 in the nation for its number of licensed hunters statewide. This year, the DNR estimates more than 90 percent of Michigan hunters will pursue deer. In Michigan, 60 percent of hunters only hunt deer and more than 590,000 hunters are expected to participate in the upcoming firearm season.

In addition to in-state hunters, the DNR anticipates Michigan will see approximately 20,000 licensed non-resident deer hunters this season coming from every state in the nation, as well as 22 countries.

In recent years the DNR has taken steps to reinforce hunting’s tradition and economic reach, including expanding youth hunting opportunities – resulting in approximately 35,000 additional youth purchasing a deer license in 2013 – expanded opportunities to hunt using a crossbow, simplification of regulations and enhancement of facilities for hunters with disabilities.

While deer are on the mind this time of year, Michigan also is home to some the nation’s best managed habitat for ruffed grouse and American woodcock. With the help of hunters and partners, the DNR has developed a series of intensively managed walk-in access ruffed grouse hunting areas across the northern Lower and Upper peninsula’s known as Grouse Enhanced Management Systems (GEMS).

Hunting opportunities across the state and throughout the year combined with Michigan’s world-class freshwater fisheries make Michigan a true sportsman’s paradise, generating a combined economic impact of $4.7 billion.

Pure Michigan has continued to promote hunting in Michigan through a variety of means, including the Pure Michigan landing page on Michigan-based Carbon Media Group’s Outdoorhub.com. The landing page includes original content – including a new video on mentored youth hunting, articles and expert advice on hunting and fishing various species throughout Michigan. Outdoorhub.com has the largest audience of sportsmen and women online.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

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Editor’s Note: Watch the Pure Michigan Hunting Traditions video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxlnho4OEF4&feature=youtu.be