Bow and Handgun Hunting Steadily on the Increase

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.