Wildife Brings Boost to Economy

Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers in Wyoming contributed more than $1 billion to Wyoming’s economy during 2017.

That’s according to a new analysis by the University of Wyoming. It’s a 2.3 percent increase from 2016, and the acting director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says they attribute the rise to more people heading outdoors. In a news release, John Kennedy pointed out that the hunting and fishing opportunities here in Wyoming are sought after because of the high-quality wildlife, access and the outdoor experience with friends and family.

The analysis conducted for Game and Fish looks at the licenses and goods purchased and the money spent during resident and nonresident trips hunting, fishing or viewing wildlife. That number is then related to people who participate in those activities.

$802.2 million dollars were spent in Wyoming on wildlife-based recreation in 2017. From that direct spending, the state saw the benefit of $1.065 billion in total economic activity, with a four percent increase in jobs.