Bow and Handgun Hunting Steadily on the Increase

by
posted on October 11, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Registration Numbers On The Rise For The 2025 ATA Show LEDE

A “2023 Special Report on Hunting,” issued by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), indicates archery and handgun hunting growth is on the increase, while post-pandemic participation with firearms remains relatively stable. Early registration for the annual Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show—which returns to Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center from Jan. 8 to the 10th, 2025—indicates the trend has not slowed, either.

According to OIA’s study, 14.7 million Americans hunted at least once in 2022 with either a firearm or archery equipment. The figure represents a one-percent increase compared to the previous year. Those with a handgun or bow, however, fueled that gain. Enthusiasts taking a rifle or shotgun afield remained relatively steady. 

The ATA show, like the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT), is open only to industry professionals. Registration opened Aug. 1 and more than 450 exhibitors and 700-plus retail businesses are expected to attend what is the world’s largest gathering of archery and bowhunting professionals.

“We expect a great turnout at the upcoming ATA Show,” said Jeff Poole, ATA president and CEO. “Feedback from the 2024 event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees are excited to return to Indy to build on last year’s momentum. We look forward to kicking off the new year with all our members and partners at the 2025 ATA Show.”

Professionals in the archery, hunting and outdoor industries know the 2025 ATA Show is a go-to event to discover industry trends, conduct new product evaluations, grow their business and experience unmatched face-to-face interactions that simply can’t be replicated online or over the phone. Valuable educational sessions run throughout the show.

Manufacturers and industry professionals specializing in handguns for hunting—actually, any firearms or related-product—will gather later that month the SHOT Show, which takes place Jan. 23 to 26, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nev. With significant crossover in participants, the event will also attract many of the same firms at ATA.

Latest

VX Freedom LEDE Image
VX Freedom LEDE Image

Range Review: Leupold VX-Freedom Straight Wall 3-9x40

The Leupold VX-Freedom Straight Wall 3-9x40—making life easier for hunters since the day it was introduced. Learn more about it here in Phil Massaro's in depth review.

Field Review: Vortex Diamondback Rimfire

Crystal clear optics that function as advertised are critical whether you are trying to bag the buck of a lifetime, or burn a groundhog that is wreaking havoc on your garden. For the latter, enter the Vortex Diamondback Rimfire!

Hardware Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range

Winchester’s new Supreme Long Range ammo, loaded with the company’s new BC Max bullet, was built to drop game at distance. The BC Max bullet is a heavy-for-caliber, extended-boattail projectile with a high BC and a large-diameter, heat-resistant polymer tip to initiate devastating terminal performance at extended ranges. It’s a tack-driving combo.

Endowment Expands Black Bear Wildlife Conservation Research in Wisconsin

The Boone and Crockett Club, alongside the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the UWSP Foundation, has officially established the Stephens Family Foundation Boone and Crockett Wildlife Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP).

Range Tested: Traditions' .50 Caliber Nitrobolt Muzzleloader

A review on this latest addition to Traditions' Federal Firestick powered line up.

Winchester Contributes More Than $500,000 to Conservation for a Continent Campaign

Winchester recently announced it has contributed more than $500,000 over the past seven years to the historic Ducks Unlimited (DU) Conservation for a Continent Campaign. The campaign generated an unprecedented $4.06 billion for continental conservation and stands as the most ambitious conservation campaign ever undertaken on behalf of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.