Hunting is a popular sport here in America. Whether you’re someone who enjoys being able to provide food for your family, if you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of a good hunt, the U.S. has no shortage of wild game. Fishing, deer hunting, duck hunting, even boar hunting are all popular activities for hunting enthusiasts. In fact, it’s estimated that about 15.5 million people hunt each year in the U.S. and that about 12.75 percent hunt or fish on a regular basis, for one reason or another. But what, exactly, do people hunt for? Is there one type of hunting more popular than others? Let’s find out.
One of the most popular time of hunting in the U.S. is wild boar hunting. In fact, there are organizations and businesses that make money catering to boar hunting enthusiasts by promoting wild boar hunting trips and other exotic hunts. While many enjoy hunting wild boars, it’s also a great method of keeping the wild boar population in the U.S. from exploding and causing unnecessary damage. Already it’s estimated that feral wild hogs cause about $1.5 billion in damage across the country, according to the USDA. Feral hogs deplete crops, infect water supplies with diseases, and contribute to erosion, and they also reproduce at an alarming rate. Each year, a female hog can give birth to up to 20 piglets. That’s a lot of boars running around the country, and one of the reasons why so many states allow boar hunting.
Other types of hunting that are popular among American hunters include deer hunting and fishing. Fishing is allowed virtually everywhere in the U.S., providing the fisherman has the necessary license. The same can be said for deer hunting. Both sports are common across the country, and rightly so. Afterall, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as biting into a perfectly cooked venison steak or basket of fried fish.
No matter what game you enjoy hunting, you’re sure to find an abundance of game in any given U.S. state. From hog hunting and fishing to deer hunting and exotic hunting trips, there are enough options to keep even the most experienced hunter busy.