Crossing Lines: A National Look at Non-Resident Hunters and Anglers
Hunters and anglers will travel for adventure. Every year, millions travel across the country to fish new waters or pursue different game. For state conservation agencies, this movement is more than tourism visitation; it is a critical part of consumer engagement and funding.
Knowing which states your non-resident (NR) hunters and anglers come from, and where your own residents are going, gives you insights into potential targeted marketing and outreach efforts.
2024 Non-Resident Data
Accuracy matters. Our Business Intelligence team analyzed our dataset of 188 million public customer records across 18 hunt/fish state agencies to capture national customer movement trends.
A non-resident is someone with:
- A non-resident license status; and
- An out-of-state physical address.
Conflicting records were removed to ensure clean, trustworthy data.
Across our state agencies, we found:
- 2.95 million non-resident customers
- 4.03 million orders placed
- $270 million in sales
National Statistics
Non-residents play a pivotal role in sustaining conservation programs. While they represent only 25% of all customers, they contribute 45% of total revenue.
- Florida welcomes 600,000+ non-residents annually, generating one-third of its total license sales.
- Idaho led in non-resident revenue volume thanks to its big game tags.
- Kansas has the highest non-resident revenue percentage at 60+% of its total license sales.
The line graph illustrates how states rank over time by non-resident orders, with the top state processing the most non-resident transactions in the year.
Trends by State
Before publishing these numbers, we shared state-specific non-resident insights directly with our agency clients. The response was clear: having visibility into where customers are coming from and what they are doing helps make more informed decisions. Below is a sampling of the state-level trends that highlight just how dynamic cross-state participation can be.
South Dakota
- 200k+ non-residents
- Minnesotans account for nearly 23% of purchases
- Hunting leads the way, generating the bulk of sales.
Washington
- 110k+ non-residents
- Strong western pull: Oregon (29%), Idaho (17%), California (12%)
- Fishing drives more than half of purchases.
The National Picture
Whether it is Floridians casting lines in Georgia or Californians traveling to Washington’s rugged backcountry, non-resident hunters and anglers are a lifeline for conservation funding and outdoor economies. Their participation represents critical dollars that fuel habitat restoration, wildlife management, and the long-term health of natural resources.
Partnering with a national provider of technology solutions designed specifically for conservation agencies gives Brandt’s state agencies unparalleled insight into cross-state participation and consumer trends. By harnessing this data, agencies can anticipate where demand is growing, better understand the customer journey, and strengthen outreach that keeps hunters and anglers engaged.
Non-resident participation is essential to sustaining our outdoor heritage. It connects communities across state lines, supports thriving local economies, and ensures that future generations inherit the same opportunities to hunt and fish.
Brandt is committed to empowering agencies with the clarity and confidence they need to safeguard these traditions for decades to come.