Data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau show that 14 million hunters spent a combined $20.9 billion on their sport in 1996, the latest year for which figures are available.

Hunters spent $5.6 billion on equipment, including $2.5 billion for firearms and $720 million for ammunition. Trip related costs for getting into the field ran $5.2 billion, including $2.5 billion for food and lodging.

Expenditures for auxiliary equipment (including camping gear, binoculars, hunting clothing, taxidermy) ran to $1.2 billion. A further $4.5 billion went for special equipment like boats, campers, cabins, trail bites, etc.

Outlays by hunters grew 47% between 1991 and 1996.