RALEIGH, N.C., July 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Carolina
 residents overwhelmingly support hunting, with 84% approving. Fishing
 received even higher approval rating, with 95%. Furthermore, 83% agree that
 hunting and fishing are part of the scientific management of fish and
 wildlife populations.
 
     A new report, released by the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses
 and the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey
 Federation, is aimed at providing valuable insight for state legislators by
 highlighting key public opinion data, as well as how the economics of
 hunting and fishing impact the state.
 
     As revealed in the report, North Carolina ranks 10th in the nation for
 the number of paid hunting license holders, with more than 427,000 hunting
 licenses sold. When you take into account the revenue that is derived from
 the sale of resident, non-resident, tags, permits and stamps that are
 affiliated with hunting in North Carolina, the revenue is more than $10
 million.
 
     When it comes to fishing, North Carolina ranks 13th in the nation for
 the number of paid fishing license holders, with more than 700,000 fishing
 licenses sold. The gross revenue from the sale of resident, non-resident,
 tags, permits and stamp associated with fishing totals more than $13
 million. This funding provides a large portion of the revenue for the North
 Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
 
     "When you look at hunting and fishing in terms of economics, it becomes
 clear that legislators need to consider the implications of the legislation
 they are writing, introducing and voting on. It is equally important for
 legislators to be aware of the public support of these activities," noted
 Aaron Hobbs, spokesperson for the National Assembly of Sportsmen's
 Caucuses.
 
     The report, North Carolina Sportsmen - The Broader Picture, was
 released at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Headquarters
 to a gathering of state legislators.
 
     "It is our hope that this report will serve as a valuable source for
 our legislators and we look forward to working with the North Carolina
 legislature to promote a healthier, stronger, hunting and fishing tradition
 in North Carolina," commented Dick Hamilton, Executive Director of the
 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commissions.
 
     "Facts and figures presented in The Broader Picture show that the
 sportsmen of North Carolina through continued support of our hunting and
 fishing resources have an overall effect on both the economy and more
 opportunities to enjoy recreational activities within the state," remarked
 Carl Dixon, President of the North Carolina State Chapter of the National
 Wild Turkey Federation.
 
     For questions or a copy of the report contact
 melinda@sportsmenslink.org or call 202-302-4794
 
     Information contained in the report was gathered by Responsive
 Management: http://www.responsivemanagement.com
 
     For more information on NASC visit http://www.statesportsmenslink.org
 
 
 
 
 
 

SOURCE Congressional Sportsmens Foundation; National Assembly of