Michigan ranks first among the Great Lakes states for jobs created from hunting and fishing related purchases.
As we shared yesterday, a report from the Michigan United Conservation Club shows that the hunting and fishing industry generates $11.2 billion annually in economic impact for Michigan.
“The research results reflect that the economic benefits for local communities in every region of the state by those who hunt and fish are vital to continuing Michigan’s prosperity now and in the future,” said Amy Trotter, MUCC executive director.
And, across the state, 171,000 jobs are created and supported annually by hunting and fishing.
“This is information the conservation community has long needed to improve our understanding of the financial importance of outdoor recreation,” Eichinger said. “MUCC, Michigan State University and the C.S. Mott Foundation deserve credit for their valuable scholarship that quantifies more clearly than ever how hunting and fishing are essential ingredients in Michigan’s diverse economic stew.”
Inspired by the new report, leaders from Michigan's conservation, small business, tourism and legislative sectors want government leaders to put more funding into preventing chronic wasting disease in deer, containing and preventing PFAs in the state's water sources, and increasing the number of people who hunt and fish in Michigan though sports promotion.
“Because of the MUCC analysis, people who never hunt or fish should have a new appreciation for the economic power Michigan’s sportsmen and sportswomen deliver and that helps make our state a great place to live, work and recreate,” Howell said.
Michigan is ranked one of the top states in the nation for hunting licenses purchased.
“Hunters and anglers foot virtually the entire bill for conservation in Michigan and across the nation. A continued decline in that base has huge implications for how we manage conservation of our forests and fields, wildlife, our lakes, rivers and streams today and in the future,” Eade said.
A copy of the MUCC-MSU report is available at mucc.org.
