This time of year, deer hunters are on the move in Northeastern California, each in search of the big buck. It turns out they spend a lot of bucks doing so too. With deer being the most popular and accessible big game animal in the state, hunters stimulate the economy. According to California’s Department of Fish and Game (DFG), 150,000-plus deer hunters spend millions of dollars in licenses and deer tags, which is important for wildlife management programs. In addition to funding general wildlife management activities, 54% of all deer tag fees are funneled specifically into deer projects via the Deer Herd Management Program which was created by law and enacted in 1984.
According to DFG statistics, hunters also spend millions of additional dollars on equipment, travel, provisions and lodging. One study by CA DFG estimates that deer hunters help support nearly 8,000 jobs in the private sector.
Local businesses in the northeastern region are eager to welcome hunters. Deer hunting season comes just after the summer tourist season has wound down.
