Sections of the 1980 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation that dealt with nonconsumptive uses of wildlife are analyzed. The data are based on 5,997 detailed personal interviews of Americans 16 years old and older who participated in some form of nonconsumptive use of wildlife. This represents the first detailed nationwide data base dealing with the characteristics of nonconsumptive users, the types of activities and wildlife involved, and the potential for development of new methods for funding nongame management.

Estimated participation by the United States population 16 years old and older in 1980, for selected categories, was as follows: 55% (93 million) participated in some form of nonconsumptive use of wildlife; 46% (79 million) enjoyed wildlife while on a trip away from home and, of these, 28 million took trips primarily for nonconsumptive enjoyment of wildlife; and 54% (89 million) enjoyed wildlife in residential settings and, of these, 79 million took special interest in observing, identifying, photographing, or feeding wild animals. Residential environments were especially important as
locations for nonconsumptive activities. About one-third of the American public took special interest in wildlife or fed wildlife near their homes; 26 million maintained bird feeders, and more than million put out more than 100 pounds of birdseed. Woodlands were the habitats most frequently used by nonconsumptive enthusiasts, and songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks were the wildlife types most often involved. However, all major types of habitats and wildlife were included. People appeared to enjoy opportunities to observe, photograph, and feed almost any type of wildlife in any
type of habitat. Game species—particularly rabbits, waterfowl, and deer—were very important in providing these opportunities.