A study investigating the economic and social value of hunting and shooting to the Tasmanian economy was released in 2023.
The study was commissioned by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and was undertaken by BDO EconSearch in collaboration with Action Market Research (AMR):
The economic activity generated by the hunter/sport shooter supply chain within Tasmania is the economic contribution that is estimated in this study, measured in terms of contribution to Gross State Product (GSP) and employment.
The research does not describe the economic impact or net benefit of recreational hunting and sport shooting in Tasmania, which use other types of analysis. Neither does it include other types of costs/expenditures such as by government on administration and compliance, or benefits including property protection associated with these activities.
The main finding from the study were:
The total economic contribution of recreational hunting and sports shooting in Tasmania for 2022 was estimated to be $88.4 million in GSP and 676 full time equivalent jobs.
The direct and indirect contribution made by deer hunting was $29.1million and that by hunting other species $37.9million and by sport shooting $21.2million.
The main on expenditure whilst hunting or shooting was on fuel, groceries and ammunition.
Firearms and motor vehicles were the main capital items purchased.
The most common Tasmanian hunters and shooters are males over 50 years of age in full time employment and educated to Certificate 111 or IV.
The important motivations for hunting and sport shooting was to spend time outdoors, get food, reduce pest populations, spend time with friends and to relax and unwind.