Southwick Associates, the folks who do yearly surveys on hunting and fishing preferences, has released their recent Fall Hunter/Shooter Survey showing the most popular hunting, shooting equipment purchases by sportsmen and sports gals, and the species they pursued.

The panel, composed of hunters and shooters from across the country who volunteer to participate, track hunter/shooter participation and purchases.

The survey begins with the most popular species hunted. As expected, 71.3 percent of respondents say they pursue whitetail deer. That’s followed by small game (rabbits/squirrels), 21.5 percent; upland birds (quail, pheasant, grouse) 18.7; dove, 14.6; turkey, 13.3; predator calling/hunting (coyotes), 12.5; mule deer, blacktail, and Sitka, 10.9 percent.

The next category was the percentage of and type of hunting equipment used: Rifle, 70.0 percent; handgun, 57.5; shotgun, 26.6; bow or archery, 17.2; crossbow, 9.2; muzzleloader, 8.2; air rifle (compressed air), 7.7 percent.

Percent of firearms purchased were rifles, 54.5 percent; handguns, 45.5; shotguns, 16.7; air rifles/air guns, 3.8; muzzleloaders, 3.5 percent.

Types of shotguns purchased were pump action, 46.2 percent; semi-automatic, 26.7; over/under, 11.4; side by side, 3.2; single shot, 8.2; other, 4.2 percent.

Types of muzzleloaders purchased: Inline 69.5 percent; standard, 15.9; flintlock, 9.6; other, 5.1 percent.

Types of handguns purchased: semi-automatic 63.2 percent; revolver, 34.2; break action, 2.0; not sure, 0.6 percent.

Types of ammunition purchased: Rifle ammunition, 57.8 percent; handgun ammo, 44.8; shotgun ammo, 39.0; air rifle/air gun pellets, 2.4 percent.

Types of shotgun ammo purchased: Lead, 65 percent; non-lead/non-toxic, 32.1; other 2.4; not sure, 0.5 percent.

Types of archery items purchased: Broadheads, 47.1 percent; crossbow bolts, 26.8; arrows, 21.7; strings & accessories, 17.3; nocks, 13.6; fletchings, 13.3; stabilizers, 12.0; archery targets, 10.2; crossbows, 7.5 percent.

Types of traditional bows purchased: Compound, 72.1 percent; recurve, 23.5; long bows, 3.7; other, 0.6 percent.

Types of hunting gear purchased: Odor eliminator, 36.1 percent; lure scent, 34.7; game feed, 29.5; hunting knives/multitools, 21.9 trail cameras, 18.7; cover scent, 16.4; game calls, 13.1; and game cleaning supplies, 12.9 percent.

Types of decoys purchased: Waterfowl, 72.80 percent; turkey, 4.70; predator, 4.90; and big game, 17.60 percent.

Types of game calls purchased: Waterfowl, 35.90 percent; big game, 50.2; small game, 6.7; predator, 2.6; other, 0.5 percent.

Types of stands used: Ladder, 29.3 percent; climbing, 16.8 percent; hang-on, 31.2 percent; tripod stands, 6.4 percent; tower/box stands, 5.7 percent; ladder and steps, 8.1 percent; harnesses & accessories, 2.5 percent.

Percentages of equipment purchases were as follows: Ammunition, 68.4 percent; hunting accessories, 40.3; clothing and apparel, 37.1; shooting accessories, 33.4; firearms, 28.7; firearm accessories, 25.8; archery, 20.8; firearms storage (safes), 20.4; optics, 18.3; hand loading equipment, 11.7; blackpowder, 8.4 percent.

A fishing survey is upcoming from Southwick which we’ll publish in a future column.

NWTF BANQUET

The Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding their 22nd Annual Hunting Heritage Superfund Membership Banquet on March 6, 2020 beginning at 5 p.m.

Aside from the traditional dinner, there will be a host of raffle and auction items such as wildlife prints sculptures, home furnishings, jewelry, collectibles and firearms.

The annual event is a fundraiser to support turkey conservation and youth programs for the local Jerry Zimmerman NWTF Chapter.

The banquet is being held at the Homewood Suites, 3350 Center Valley Parkway. Ticket prices are $70 per person or $140 per couple. That includes a one-year NWTF membership. To register and for more information contact Bruce Dietrich at 610-298-2424 or Scott Richards at 610-393-9761.