Fishing and hunting contribute to N.D. economy

BISMARCK — Fishing and hunting in North Dakota contributed $1.4 billion to the state’s annual economy, according to a new study commissioned by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The study, by North Dakota State University economists, tracked expenditures by hunters and anglers in the 2011-12 hunting and fishing seasons.

Anglers and hunters in North Dakota spent $642.9 million on equipment, vehicles, boats, travel, lodging and food. That spending generated almost $727 million in spin-off economic benefits, researchers found.

Direct and indirect spending by resident hunters and anglers generated about $35 million in tax collections, with nonresidents adding $5 million.

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