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

W H2026 03 Elkdraw RE345 Elk Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 03 Elkdraw RE345 Elk Copyright Mark Kayser

5 Steps to Win Your Next Elk Draw

Want to find success in your next elk lottery? Get some tips from Mark Kayser on how to beat the point creep, find less-applied for honey holes, and more.

Savage Arms Expands Model 110 Line

Savage Arms has added three new rifles to its Model 110 lineup: the 110 Core Predator, 110 Core Tactical and 110 Ultralite Predator. In addition to the all-new AccuFit V2, these rifles feature a beavertail fore-end that incorporates an ARCA rail with M-Lok slots. The Predator and Tactical rifles also have higher capacity magazines, holding up to ten rounds.

Zander's Exclusive TriStar Setter LT

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has announced the release of an exclusive new shotgun offering in partnership with TriStar Arms: the TriStar Setter LT, featuring a custom black engraved receiver designed specifically for Zanders dealers and customers.

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.