Newtown, CT -(Ammoland.com)- Fans of the most-watched upland bird hunting TV show are excited about next season, according to the annual Wingshooting USA viewer survey, the Upland Nation Index.
The survey’s “Optimism Quotient” compendium of future buying plans shows an eight percent increase over the 2011 base year, with some product categories experiencing double-digit growth versus that recessionary point: boots up 13 percent, trucks/SUVs up 23 percent, and the number of fans planning to buy a new hunting dog is up 26 percent.
Show host/creator Scott Linden cited an increase in participation as well. “In every category, they plan to hunt more next season, up to 13 percent more among very active hunters,” he said.
Speaking of canines, the Labrador retriever has broken a dead heat of the last four years, finally surpassing the German Shorthaired Pointer as favorite dog breed. Labs are now favored by 24 percent of Wingshooting USA viewers, with the shorthair garnering second place with 18 percent of viewers liking the pointing breed.
Reflecting the emphasis of the show, Wingshooting USA viewers also strongly believe in recruiting new hunters. The number of viewers who took a newcomer hunting at least once last year skyrocketed 52 percent, generating almost a million new hunter trips.
About The Wingshooting USA Upland Nation Index
The Wingshooting USA Upland Nation Index is the largest and most comprehensive survey of upland bird hunters in the country. Conducted annually since 2011, the survey tracks brand awareness, market share, purchasing plans, and hunter behavior, among other data.
About Scott Linden’s Wingshooting USA
The official TV series of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Wingshooting USA is also the most-watched bird hunting show on television. The program airs on seven networks including Discovery’s Destination America. Sponsors include YETI coolers, Paw Print Genetics, Cabela’s, Happy Jack Inc., Filson, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, Camp Chef, TruckVault, Fiocchi ammunition, South Dakota Tourism, EverGreen RV Manufacturing, and Ugly Dog Hunting Co. The show’s conservation partner is Quail Forever.
For more information, please visit www.scottlindenoutdoors.com.