A 2025 report from the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) confirms what many in the outdoor world already suspect. Most Americans support hunting and shooting sports.
The survey shows that support, however, depends on how, why, and what is being hunted or shot.
Key Findings at a Glance
- 73% of Americans support legal hunting
- 74% support recreational shooting sports
- 69% believe hunters and sport shooters act responsibly
- 62% identify as conservationists
- Food and wildlife management are the most supported reasons for hunting
- Trophy hunting and predator species see the least approval
- Support is strongest in rural areas, especially the Midwest and the Mountain West
- Public trust drops when hunts involve baiting, high-tech gear, or high-fence enclosures
These numbers show strong overall support, but also clear boundaries. Americans want purpose, ethics, and tradition behind every shot. Without those, approval quickly fades.
Hunting for Food and Wildlife Management Wins Public Favor
Americans are far more comfortable with hunting when it serves a clear, tangible purpose. Hunting for food was ranked as the most acceptable reason. Conservation and wildlife population control followed close behind. Hunting for the protection of people or property also rated well.
On the shooting side, people are most supportive when activities relate to training for self-defense, hunting preparation, or formal competition. Recreational shooting done simply for personal challenge or fun saw lower levels of approval.
In short, Americans expect practical value. The public is more likely to support pulling the trigger when the end result is food, safety, or ecological benefit.
Predator, Trophy Hunts, and Tech Raise Red Flags
While general support remains high, certain forms of hunting bring a sharp drop in approval. Most Americans do not support trophy hunting, particularly when it involves predators or exotic animals. Hunting mountain lions, wolves, and African species saw the highest levels of disapproval.
How you hunt matters just as much. Traditional firearms and archery gear are widely accepted. But hunting methods involving baiting, high fences, or advanced technologies like thermal scopes received mixed or negative responses.
Fair chase principles still hold weight with the public. Anything that looks like an unfair advantage or violates ethical standards risks losing support.
Public Trust in Safety Is Strong, But Not Unshakable
Sixty-nine percent of Americans believe hunters and sport shooters act responsibly with firearms. That number is solid, but not universal. Nearly one in three people still express doubt. In a cultural and political climate where firearms often make headlines, that uncertainty matters.
The majority of Americans say their views on hunting and shooting have not changed recently. But for those who have shifted, the movement splits evenly.
About 18% say their view has become more favorable, while another 18% say it has turned more negative.
Media coverage, especially surrounding gun violence or controversial hunts, continues to shape public sentiment.
Geography and Demographics Shape Opinion
Support for hunting and shooting is not spread evenly across the map. Rural residents, especially those in the Midwest and Mountain West, show the highest levels of support. Men are more supportive than women. White respondents tend to view hunting more favorably than Black or Hispanic respondents.
In urban and suburban areas, skepticism is more common. Hunters, agencies, and brands looking to connect with urban audiences should expect to face more resistance. Messaging in these areas will need to be more deliberate, focused, and values-based.
Most Americans Still Claim a Conservation Ethic
Despite the divisions, 62% of Americans say they identify as conservationists. That shared identity offers a foundation. It presents an opportunity for hunters and shooters to connect with broader audiences by highlighting the role they play in funding and supporting conservation work.
The Bottom Line
Support for hunting and shooting in the U.S. is real, but it is not unconditional. Americans value these activities when they are grounded in tradition, responsibility, and purpose. Hunters, shooters, and the gear industry need to continue earning that support. This means highlighting conservation impact, embracing fair chase ethics, and avoiding the trappings of tech-heavy or exploitative practices.
The future of hunting and shooting sports will depend on how well the community defends its role in conservation and connects with the values the public already holds.
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