Sunday Huntng Article
Here is an article on Sunday hunting that appeared in the Altoona Mirror. Pay close attention to the last paragraph. This is why non-hunters should not be permitted to write artciles about hunting -- especially if they are trying to make a point. I am sure that some airfare comes into play as does the purchase of some boats and the paying of some guide fees, but I doubt if those are large contributors in PA.
Report: Sunday hunting could bring in big bucks
Committee says extra day could mean more jobs, almost $57 million
October 20, 2011
From Mirror staff and wire reports , The Altoona Mirror Save |
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HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania could generate up to $804 million in economic activity by allowing Sunday hunting, according to a bipartisan legislative study released Wednesday.
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report said Sunday hunting could support nearly 7,500 jobs and bring in almost $57 million in state and local taxes.
Allowing hunting on all Sundays during hunting season would produce about $460 million in retail sales, according to the company that produced the estimates, Southwick Associates.
But the figures from the study aren't exactly wooing some local hunters and shop owners. Linford Karns, a hunter and employee at Juniata Trading Co., said he's in favor of Sunday hunting because it should be up to the people if they want to hunt on Sundays.
However, he said, hunting license sales have gone down every year and Sunday hunting isn't going to fix that problem."You're hitting the generation now where the parents don't hunt, so that leaves a big lull because the kids aren't going to hunt," Karns said. "I don't think the Sunday deal would really help that significantly."
About 950,000 general hunting licenses were sold in Pennsylvania during the 2009-10 fiscal year. Pennsylvania deer hunters spend about $96 a day.
State Sen. John Eichelberger, R-Blair, said the study contains figures that have been exaggerated and if hunters aren't spending their money hunting on Sundays, they're probably spending their money on something else.
"I've talked to people from the game commission, to the hunters, even people who support Sunday hunting, and when anybody looks at that realistically, they don't believe that. The figure's too high," Eichelberger said. "If you're not hunting that day, chances are good that you're doing something else. You're out to eat with your family, going to the movies, going to the store, or doing something. It doesn't add up as far as I'm concerned."
According to the report, hunting is worth nearly $3 billion to the state's economy, with deer hunting accounting for about $1.7 billion.
Those expenditures include trip-related services such as lodging, airfare and guide fees; weapons, camping gear, boats and other equipment; licenses; books; dues; and land purchases or rentals.
The report is an update of a similar study done six years ago.
Mirror Staff Writer Rich Coleman contributed to this article.