Elk NetworkReport: Nearly Half of Americans Didn’t Recreate Outside in 2018, Not Even Once

General | February 3, 2020

At best, it’s troubling. At worst, the disconnection between Americans and the outdoors is much greater than feared.

A new survey released by the Outdoor Foundation shows approximately half of Americans did not hunt, fish, hike, camp or take part in any other kind of outdoor recreation in 2018.

Here are some of the specific findings:

  • Less than 20 percent of Americans recreated outside at least once a week
  • Americans went on one billion fewer outdoor outings in 2018 than they did in 2008
  • Of the people who report they go outside, 63 percent report they go outside within 10 miles of their home
  • Kids went on 15 percent fewer annual outings in 2018 than they did in 2012

Go here to read the report.

(Photo source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)