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What influences your purchase of a brand? (Top 3 answers)

Personal experience 77%
Brand loyalty 57%
Another experienced angler 53%


Sportsmen Purchases Remain Steady

Posted 17 Oct 18:50 by donna@southwickassociates.com

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — A look at the buying habits of sportsmen in 2011 compared to the previous year reveals purchases of hunting and fishing equipment have remained steady in the current year, and in fact, even slightly improved.


In the most recent survey at HunterSurvey.com, participants were asked if they were buying more, less or the same amount of hunting equipment so far this year compared to 2010. Those responding they were buying more accounted for 24.7 percent of the responses, a 4.9 percent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile those purchasing the same amount dropped one point to 39 percent as those reporting they were buying less dropped 3.1 percent.


Asked the same question except as it relates to the purchase of fishing equipment, AnglerSurvey.com respondents saying they were buying more jumped a statistically insignificant 1.5 percent from 16.2 to 17.7 percent. Those buying the same increased 4.4 percent, while those indicating they had bought less dropped 3.6.
 
“While everyone in the hunting and fishing industry would love to see the ‘buying more’ responses make a significant jump, at least some of the fears of a so-called double dip recession, at least where these markets are concerned, does not appear to be on its way. Sportsmen are pretty much buying the same amount of gear,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com.


To help continually improve, protect and advance the shooting sports and outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.


About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com:

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com,  ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Find them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey <http://facebook.com/huntersurvey>  and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey <http://facebook.com/anglersurvey>.



Boaters Opposed to Increased Ethanol

Posted 19 Sep 13:47 by donna@southwickassociates.com

For Immediate Release:  September 17, 2011
Contact: Donna@southwickassociates.com


FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — With the EPA recently allowing fuel companies to increase the amount of ethanol found in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent, the move could mean more damaged boat engines for unsuspecting owners who use the fuel. Ethanol increases the acidity of the fuel, which in older boats and motors can dissolve fuel tanks and lines, which can ultimately damage, clog and stall engines. A recent survey conducted by AnglerSurvey.com found most anglers who boat were unaware of the increase in ethanol and the threat the change poses. Asked if they were aware of the increase in permissible ethanol levels, 55.9 percent of respondents said “no,” while only 41.2 percent reported being aware of the change.

Asked if they agreed with the change, nearly 60 percent said “no.” Virtually the same amount of those surveyed said the amount of permissible ethanol should be reduced back to 10 percent.

“It is important that boaters educate themselves on the specific damage fuels mixed with ethanol can pose to certain boat motors and take steps to minimize harm to their engines. Many boaters will simply want to avoid using fuels that include the higher percentage of ethanol and need to pay attention when fueling,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com.

To help continually improve, protect and advance this treasured way of life, all anglers are encouraged to participate in the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

For more information on the threat ethanol poses to boat engines, visit the Boat Owners Association of the United States at boatus.com or visit their page on ethanol concerns at http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/ethanol.asp.

About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com,  ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Find them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey



Hunters, Anglers Share Traditions with Youth

Posted 01 Sep 15:25 by donna@southwickassociates.com

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — In recent surveys conducted on HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com, responses revealed sportsman overwhelmingly take the time to introduce kids to the joys of hunting and fishing. Asked if in the past 12 months they had taken a child hunting or fishing, just over 45 percent of hunters said they had taken a son, daughter, nephew, niece or other young person hunting, while a whopping 61 percent of fishermen said they had taken a child fishing.

While the relation of the child to the angler would be assumed to most often be a son or a daughter that is the case only half of the time. The survey revealed 30 percent were nephews, nieces or another young relative; 15 percent were an unrelated child and 4 percent was as part of an outing with a Boy Scout troop, church group or other youth organization.

Where hunting was concerned, the relation of the child to the hunter was a son or a daughter 54 percent of the time. The survey revealed 29 percent were nephews, nieces or another young relative; 14  percent were an unrelated child and 4 percent were as part of an outing with a Boy Scout troop, church group or other youth organization.

“These numbers certainly boost the future of hunting, fishing and conservation as more young people are introduced to and learn the joys of these sports,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “While every child taken hunting or fishing may not continue doing so as an adult, it’s expected a good number of them will.”

To help continually improve, protect and advance this treasured way of life, all anglers are encouraged to participate in the surveys at  HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com,  ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Find them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey <http://facebook.com/huntersurvey>  and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey <http://facebook.com/anglersurvey>.



Fishing Tournaments Popular Among Anglers

Posted 01 Jul 00:26 by donna@southwickassociates.com

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2011
Contact: Donna@southwickassociates.com


FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — When anglers were asked in a recent survey if they participated in fishing tournaments, it was discovered that for every one competing professional angler there are roughly nine fishermen who compete at least occasionally in amateur tournaments. The Angler Survey results indicate tournament fishing is a popular activity among some sportsmen.


Among those anglers who reported competing in tournaments in the past year, for every full or part-time angler that competes at the professional level, there are approximately three anglers who compete regularly in amateur tournaments and just over six who do it at least occasionally. Local contests have the most participants are the most participated in, probably because they are easier for more anglers to access, with 72.7 percent of tournament anglers citing their involvement in them. Thirty-five percent of all pro and amateur tournament competitors participated in regional (within state) events, 17.5 percent in state events, 14.5 percent at regional (multi-state) tournaments and only 10.1 percent in national events.


“Fishing tournaments are a great way for anglers at every skill level to compete and have a lot of fun. Looking at some of the more storied tournaments held around the country, purse winnings can be quite large for some of these events, which I am sure is a big draw for many anglers,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com.


To help continually improve, protect and advance this treasured way of life, all anglers are encouraged to participate in the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.


About AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com,  ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Find them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey.

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Most Comprehensive Information of Outdoor Media Usage Ever Available through Southwick Associates Media Monitor

Posted 16 Jun 16:24 by donna@southwickassociates.com

For Immediate Release:  June 16, 2011
Contact: Donna@southwickassociates.com, Courtney@c2csalesandmarketing.com, (303) 955-2194


FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The new Southwick Associate’s Media Monitor (SAMM) promises to become the same valuable tool for outdoor publishers, television producers and ad buyers, as Southwick’s other reports have been for leading outdoor industries, organizations and game and fish agencies. For years, Southwick Associates’ monthly Hunter Survey, Shooter Survey and Angler Survey reports have set the benchmark for reliable data used by nonprofit organizations and outdoor product manufacturers to understand the participation and purchasing decisions of consumers and constituents. The type of information available in these reports is critical to leaders looking to grow their markets and improve their programs and profitability. Outdoor media outlets, as well as ad buyers looking for the best mediums through which to sell their message, can get that same detailed information through the SAMM, which is now available.

SAMM presents the results of an online panel that tracks hunter, shooter and angler media consumption particularly in the areas of outdoor magazines, television and internet (websites and social media). The ultimate goal of the report is to measure the type and amount of media usage among sportsmen and match their purchasing preferences to specific media programs and titles. Never before has this information been available.

“This data is invaluable to outdoor television show producers, print and online publishers and ad buyers who want or need to better understand where outdoor enthusiasts obtain most of their information and how it affects their purchasing decisions,” says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates.

Information will be available for hunters, anglers and shooters separately. A sampling of the types of information available in each standard report includes:
•    The types of media sources (television, magazines and online) used by sportsmen for outdoor information or entertainment,
•    Relevant ratings for national and regional fishing, hunting and shooting-related magazines, television shows, websites and social media sites, and
In addition to the standard reports, customized reports can be provided to help companies:
•    Track media usage by consumers of its brand vs. competing brands,
•    Understand the purchasing habits and demographics for different types of outdoor media users (television vs. magazines vs. online users, by species, by preferred types of hunting, fishing or shooting, etc), and
•    Profile the demographics and outdoor habits for nearly every outdoor television program.

Southwick Associates can work with individual publishers and editors, producers, network executives, research departments and others to develop customized reports that best fit their company’s needs. Through SAMM and its extensive outdoor informational databases, Southwick Associates can help specify a particular media outlet’s demographics, types of activities enjoyed by their viewers or readers, types of equipment, brand names and price points of related products purchased and even stores and websites where these purchases most often take place.

SAMM is now available and will be produced quarterly with an annual summary at the end of each year. For pricing or more information on purchasing SAMM report, contact Mr. Courtney Olson at courtney@c2csalesandmarketing.com or (303) 955-2194.

About Southwick Associates: Southwick Associates was founded in 1989 to serve the fish and wildlife management community, as well as the sportfishing and hunting industries. We specialize in economic and business statistics related to fish and wildlife. Our expertise includes measuring retail expenditures by anglers, hunters, wildlife viewers and other outdoor recreationists; quantifying the jobs, tax revenues and other economic impacts of outdoor recreation; tracking trends within outdoor industries as well as identifying major distribution channels and the overall structure of specific outdoor-related industries; and analyzing the value of fish and wildlife resources and their uses including land transactions, new business ventures, fish kills and more. Participate in our panels at AnglerSurvey.com , HunterSurvey.com, and ShooterSurvey.com or visit our website at Southwick Associates.com.

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