Remember to thank a hunter

White Mountain Independent
November 23, 2012

It’s that time of the year again, and with the changing of the leaves on the trees, comes the gathering of hunters for a national pastime. The 148,000 hunters in the state of Arizona cause a ripple effect of $429.3 million in the economy.

You may not hunt, but having a mutual appreciation and respect for the dollars spent by hunters in Arizona could really help the cause.

Hunting in Arizona creates 4,263 jobs and generates $107.5 million in annual salaries and wages. It is the state’s largest employer. The $211.5 million in annual spending equals, approximately, one third of the cash receipts from cattle production, which is the state’s top agricultural commodity. Arizona hunters pay $15.3 million in state taxes annually which could pay up to 443 teachers salaries.

All of this could not be possible without the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937, which provided funds for each state to manage animals and their habitats. 2012 represents the 75th anniversary of the passing of this act and it has led to the growth of this large portion of the state’s economy.

As we enter a season of thanksgiving, we should all be thankful for hunters and their great contribution to our state.

Bill Berlat
Pinetop