Ranking the States With the Most Hunters

On June 22, a paper published in Scientific Reports described how a new computer model can help wildlife managers predict counties where chronic wasting disease in deer is currently spreading. By targeting their surveillance efforts, wildlife managers can conserve resources while hopefully controlling the spread of this devastating disease. Chronic wasting disease is a deadly neurological infectious condition that affects deer, moose, elk, and reindeer. Krysten Schuler, assistant research professor in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health and director of the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine explained to Phys.org, “We can use these big data techniques by pooling our data resources that will help us move farther ahead faster, as chronic wasting disease has been found in 34 states.”

White-tailed deer are suspectable to the disease, and they are also the most popular game animal hunted in the US. While Texas has the largest white-tailed deer population, it’s not the state with the most hunters. To find which state in the nation has the most hunters, 24/7 Wall St. used data on hunting license apportionments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We ranked states based on the number of paid hunting licenses issued in 2021 per 100 residents. Using population data from the U.S. Census Bureau we adjusted hunting license apportionments per capita. Data on the gross cost of paid hunting licenses issued in 2021 came from the USFWS. Finally, we took data from the percentage of state-operated public land from the P rotected Areas Database program of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Hunting game in America is much more readily available to the average citizen than in other countries around the world. In Europe for example, wildlife is privately owned and hunting is expensive, generally only accessible to the upper class. Thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt’s public land management program over 100 years ago, American wildlife is owned by the general public, not private landowners, making hunting in America a pastime anyone can participate in.

Some commonly hunted animals and birds in the US, in addition to white-tailed deer, are mule deer, pheasants, geese, ducks, quail, and elk. The state with the most hunters, Wyoming, also has a large variety of game for hunters to choose from including elk, moose, white-tailed deer, bison, and turkeys. (These are the best states for duck and goose hunting.)

Why This Matters

A Hunter Relaxing During Hunting Trip Drinking Coffee From His Metal Made Mug

The hunting industry supports the US economy, especially in rural areas where seasonal hunting brings in tourist dollars. Hunters spend money each year on their hobby by buying gear, food, lodging, and many other goods and services. Money raised from fees and excise taxes also contributes to wildlife conservation and public access to lands.

See below for the state with the most hunters: every state ranked. Data is for the year 2021.

50. California

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.7 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $86.67 per hunter (16th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 278,210 (23rd most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 55.9% (6th most)

49. Rhode Island

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.7 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $63.84 per hunter (25th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 7,985 (the least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 10.9% (17th least)

48. New Jersey

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.8 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $114.71 per hunter (6th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 71,707 (8th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 23.6% (16th most)

47. Hawaii

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.8 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $40.91 per hunter (9th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 11,270 (2nd least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 40.5% (11th most)

46. Massachusetts

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $43.51 per hunter (12th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 59,652 (5th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 19.4% (18th most)

45. Connecticut

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 0.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $71.24 per hunter (24th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 30,807 (4th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 15.8% (25th most)

44. Florida

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 1.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $36.67 per hunter (6th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 217,113 (19th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 27.0% (14th most)

43. Delaware

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 1.7 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $91.41 per hunter (13th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 16,728 (3rd least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 14.6% (22nd least)

42. Maryland

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 1.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $54.44 per hunter (20th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 116,422 (11th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 14.1% (21st least)

41. Illinois

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 2.3 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $111.83 per hunter (7th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 289,922 (21st most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 4.3% (5th least)

40. Washington

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 2.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $103.00 per hunter (8th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 185,147 (16th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 38.3% (12th most)

39. New York

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 2.8 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $42.13 per hunter (11th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 560,346 (8th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 15.3% (25th least)

38. Virginia

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 2.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $89.42 per hunter (14th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 253,650 (23rd least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 16.0% (24th most)

37. Ohio

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 3.1 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $75.33 per hunter (21st most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 360,421 (15th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 6.0% (8th least)

36. Nevada

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 3.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $71.45 per hunter (23rd most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 106,861 (10th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 83.2% (the most)

35. Texas

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 4.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $41.90 per hunter (10th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 1,170,316 (the most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 4.1% (4th least)

34. Indiana

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 4.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $46.17 per hunter (15th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 273,423 (24th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 4.7% (6th least)

33. South Carolina

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 4.2 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $46.38 per hunter (16th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 219,222 (20th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 9.4% (11th least)

32. New Hampshire

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 4.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $83.54 per hunter (17th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 60,629 (6th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 24.9% (15th most)

31. Arizona

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 4.8 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $59.52 per hunter (22nd least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 349,554 (16th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 55.1% (7th most)

30. North Carolina

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 6.2 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $20.12 per hunter (the least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 654,251 (7th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 10.7% (16th least)

29. Colorado

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 6.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $207.63 per hunter (2nd most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 370,736 (14th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 44.7% (10th most)

28. Michigan

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 6.6 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $56.19 per hunter (21st least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 660,933 (6th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 15.3% (24th least)

27. New Mexico

Navajo Lake / Dam / San Juan County, New Mexico

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 6.6 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $141.52 per hunter (5th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 140,685 (13th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 47.6% (9th most)

26. Iowa

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 6.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $101.84 per hunter (9th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 220,576 (21st least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 3.0% (3rd least)

25. Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore, located in the state of Georgia, is known for its vast beaches, its extensive trail network, and also for its resident population of wild horses and other wildlife

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 7.1 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $26.89 per hunter (4th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 769,105 (3rd most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 9.9% (13th least)

24. Kentucky

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 7.1 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $71.07 per hunter (25th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 321,347 (19th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 7.7% (10th least)

23. Pennsylvania

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 7.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $44.63 per hunter (13th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 953,903 (2nd most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 18.7% (20th most)

22. Oregon

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 7.8 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $91.63 per hunter (12th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 331,475 (17th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 56.8% (4th most)

21. Utah

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 8.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $78.87 per hunter (19th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 268,075 (25th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 72.0% (2nd most)

20. Missouri

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 8.3 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $51.33 per hunter (18th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 509,963 (10th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 7.6% (9th least)

19. Kansas

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 8.7 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $93.39 per hunter (11th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 255,143 (25th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 1.9% (the least)

18. Nebraska

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 9.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $86.91 per hunter (15th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 185,034 (15th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 2.4% (2nd least)

17. Louisiana

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 9.6 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $22.13 per hunter (2nd least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 442,678 (13th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 10.1% (14th least)

16. Mississippi

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 9.6 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $49.13 per hunter (17th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 283,021 (22nd most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 9.8% (12th least)

15. Minnesota

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 9.6 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $61.86 per hunter (23rd least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 550,663 (9th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 18.9% (19th most)

14. Vermont

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 10.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $71.53 per hunter (22nd most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 64,343 (7th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 16.5% (23rd most)

13. Alabama

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 10.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $45.46 per hunter (14th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 504,600 (11th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 5.9% (7th least)

12. Tennessee

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 10.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $39.06 per hunter (7th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 728,759 (4th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 10.2% (15th least)

11. Arkansas

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 10.7 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $61.95 per hunter (24th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 323,474 (18th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 13.6% (20th least)

10. Wisconsin

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 11.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $53.51 per hunter (19th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 669,813 (5th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 14.7% (23rd least)

9. Oklahoma

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 12.5 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $26.30 per hunter (3rd least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 499,182 (12th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 11.7% (18th least)

8. Alaska

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 13.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $77.73 per hunter (20th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 98,202 (9th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 56.2% (5th most)

7. West Virginia

USA, West Virginia, Meadow River, Gauley River National Recreation Area

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 14.2 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $35.18 per hunter (5th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 253,955 (24th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 12.1% (19th least)

6. Maine

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 15.1 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $39.41 per hunter (8th least)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 207,849 (18th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 18.1% (21st most)

5. Idaho

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 15.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $142.14 per hunter (4th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 301,994 (20th most)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 68.0% (3rd most)

4. North Dakota

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 19.4 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $81.97 per hunter (18th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 150,724 (14th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 21.6% (17th most)

3. Montana

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 20.9 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $166.57 per hunter (3rd most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 231,339 (22nd least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 37.6% (13th most)

2. South Dakota

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 23.0 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $101.08 per hunter (10th most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 206,316 (17th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 16.9% (22nd most)

1. Wyoming

A man fly fishing in the Wyoming wilderness

Paid hunting licenses issued (adjusted for state population): 23.5 per 100 residents
Average hunting license expense: $258.66 per hunter (the most)
Total paid hunting licenses issued: 136,205 (12th least)
Percent of public lands in total state area: 54.2% (8th most)

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