Group seeks to increase economic impact of hunting

A group of local and regional leaders from Missouri chambers of commerce, sporting organizations, small businesses and retailers have formed a partnership to advocate for public policy supporting hunting and shooting sports, which officials say are key to the state's economy.

The Hunting Works for Missouri partnership kicked off with a news conference yesterday at Uncle Buck's Auditorium at Bass Pro Shops on South Campbell Avenue.

According to data from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, approximately 609,000 people hunt annually in Missouri, which results in an economic impact of roughly $1.48 billion comprising $1.1 billion in spending, $96.8 million in state and local taxes, and 24,500 jobs. The average hunter spends $1,848 per season on expenses such as lodging, food and gas, according to a news release.

 “Hunting has become an economic engine to our state and local economies," said Dan Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of Hunting Works for Missouri, in the release. "The chamber’s mission is to protect and advance business and, make no mistake, hunting contributes a lot to the advancement of so many businesses in Missouri."

Hunting Works for Missouri has more than 50 partner organizations, including Bass Pro Shops, Clear Creek Vehicles and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Hunting and shooting certainly has worked, economically, for Springfield and every other city and county in Missouri," said Jeff Seifried, regional development manager for the Springfield chamber and a Springfield City Councilman, in the release. "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is an 11 percent excise tax on all hunting equipment. This money is used to conserve and restore habitat, which benefits game and nongame species, as well as anyone who loves the outdoors.”