Who Buys Fishing and Hunting Licenses in Texas? Results from a Statewide Household Survey

Abstract

This study examined the extent of current fishing and hunting license purchases and identified socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence license purchases among Texas residents. Data for the study were obtained from a telephone survey of 3,000 Texas residents sampled from the general population conducted in 1998. Descriptive analysis revealed that about one-third (30.3%) of the sample purchased some type of fishing license; 18.5% held a hunting license. Results from logistic regression analyses were consistent with previous literature on relationships between sociodemographic variables and hunting and fishing participation. Gender and race were the most consistent predictors of license purchases. Hispanic respondents and African-Americans were significantly less likely to have purchased any type of fishing and hunting license. The significant effects associated with Hispanic ethnic background and African-American ethnic background were observed controlling for the effects of age, gender, education, income, and place of residence. The study concluded by acknowledging some strategic implications associated with demographic change in addition to identifying future research needs.