Fire Information
Outdoors
Rifles Number One Choice for Deer Hunters
Posted on: May 16, 2008
Centerfire rifles were the most popular choice for deer hunters during the past deer season, according to a recent survey.
An April 2008 survey by Southwick Associates of 3,700 deer hunters nationwide showed that 28% of those who pursued America’s top big-game quarry used rifles to harvest their deer.
Bows were the second most popular choice, used for deer hunting by 21% of survey respondents last season. Muzzleloaders, the choice of 18% of hunters surveyed, were not far behind.
Fewer hunters used shotguns (15%) or handguns (5%). In some areas, especially more densely populated regions, rifle hunting is not allowed, so hunters must use a shotgun, bow, or muzzleloader to harvest their deer.
Another 12% of survey respondents reported that they did not hunt deer at all last season; and 1% listed their top weapon choice as “other.” Deer hunters were asked to select their top choice of weapon, in order to allow the survey takers to account for hunters who participate in multiple deer seasons—for example, general gun, bow, and muzzleloader.
Source: Launched in 2006, HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com help the firearms and outdoor equipment industries, government officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. hunters and target shooters. Find out how a subscription to the complete survey data can help your business, government agency, or organization.
Share This
Your Comments
Commenting is closed for this article.
About Dave Langston
Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.
... more About Dave Langston >>
Video Interviews
- Challenge of the winter steelhead and fishing -March 07, 08
- Hunting Ducks in Mexico Part 1 of 3 -March 03, 08
- Visiting the Crow’s Nest Ranch -December 07, 07
The Western States Sportsman crew recently paid a visit to the Crow’s Nest Ranch near Mackay, ID to hunt pheasant and chukar. We had a great hunt there hunting the wild chukar that roost on the mountain above the ranch as well as the pheasant that the operators of the ranch raise for hunting.
- Juniper Mountian Ranch -November 30, 07
This is a special episode of the Western States Sportsman. Come with us as we venture to Juniper Mountain Ranch in Idaho and test out products new for 2007 and 2008.
- Wild West Designs - One of a Kind Craftsman -November 24, 07
With thousands of elk, deer and exotic antlers, Wild West Designs makes some of the finest western home furnishings on the market.
- Kirt Martin's Cooking on the Wild Side - Big Game Chili -November 07, 07
This prize winner is equally good with hamburger if you don’t have any game available.
- Kirt Martin's Cooking on the Wild Side - Big Game Breakfast Sausage -November 05, 07
This sausage has a wonderful flavor to complement any breakfast — try it in a breakfast sandwich . . . we did and it was great!
- Kirt Martin's Cooking on the Wild Side - Big Game Jerky -November 02, 07
Chef Kirt gives some tips on how to keep your jerky fresh once your done smoking it.
- 100 Years of Fisheries Displays Idaho's Fishing Heritage -October 31, 07
The Exhibit at the Idaho Museum of Natural History will be on display for the next year. It’s a great opportunity to experience our heritage which has actually expanded to today’s practices.
- Kirt Martin's Cooking on the Wild Side - Wild Turkey Preparation -October 30, 07
Chef Kirt Martin shows how to make sure your wild turkey remains juicy and tender.
