BARRE, Vt.—The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says a survey shows hunters spend $189 million in Vermont each year.
Officials say the survey from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Census Bureau shows that food, lodging, transportation and trip-related costs account for more than $20 million of the annual spending.
Another $151 million is spent on equipment.
Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry says hunting is not only important for its total economic impact but because most of the money is spent after foliage season and before the ski season and the expenditures happen around the state, even in rural areas.
Last year, 79,603 people bought hunting licenses, including 10,880 from out of state.
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