Hunters and shooters are feeling the economic squeeze – yet they're still investing in the activities they value most. Nearly half report cutting back on non-essential spending due to economic concerns. But "non-essential" doesn't mean what many might assume. Even as they trim discretionary purchases, many sportsmen and women are increasing their ammunition supplies, and more than half say they have already or plan to spend at least part of their tax refund on hunting and shooting products.
These consumer insights and more are featured in the latest Southwick Associates Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, a paid subscription service providing analysis of the latest hunting & shooting market trends and outlook. Released each quarter, the April 2026 edition covers the overall economy and how hunters & shooters are responding, detailed analysis of background checks and imports, Southwick Associates' outlook for the industry, where to find the latest industry research available, and more.
"Market Pulse is a research-based look at the hunting & shooting market each quarter, providing unbiased knowledge to executives, boards of directors, investors, and others who impact the bottom line" said Nancy Bacon, Vice President of Southwick Associates. "Southwick Associates' years of experience researching the hunting & shooting consumer gives us a unique lens into the market dynamics and shifts shaping the industry."
Priced at $1,000 per year, with a 15% discounted rate for NSSF members, subscribers receive each quarterly edition directly by email. To request a complimentary copy of the Market Pulse, to subscribe, or to discuss custom confidential research to support your business decisions, contact Nancy Bacon at Nancy@SouthwickAssociates.com
Southwick Associates is a market research and economics firm specializing in the hunting, shooting, sportfishing and outdoor recreation markets. For more than 35 years, Southwick Associates has built a proven reputation for providing comprehensive insights and statistics that guide business decisions and strategy across the outdoor industry; from government agencies and industry associations to manufacturers, non-profit organizations, and affiliated businesses. In addition to custom primary market research, Southwick Associates also produces the Hunting & Shooting Monitor, and the Angler Monitor, syndicated quarterly participation and gear tracking studies, as well as the Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, a quarterly subscription newsletter delivering the latest research-based insights & industry trends. Visit www.southwickassociates.com for more information.