Wholesale Hunting Supplies

Compared to 2022, the high number of licenses (15.9 million) issued in the US in 2023 suggests that hunting is a popular commercial & recreational activity.

Hunters do not just buy licenses, they spend a lot on apparel, equipment, and camping accessories for a successful hunting trip.

Due to this, the hunting equipment & accessories market in the US is growing. From $15088.5 million in 2022, it is projected to hit $23,040.2 million by 2033.

This growth indicates a profitable opportunity for businesses like sporting goods stores, outdoor equipment stores, and online retailers.

Lucrative Segments in Hunting Supplies

If you’re just restocking, you already know what products to buy in wholesale.

But if you're new to the hunting supplies market or looking to expand your range, here's an important statistic to consider:

According to the 2022 National Survey, total hunting expenditures amounted to $45.2 billion. Out of this, $19.6 billion, which is 43% of the total spend, was dedicated to purchasing equipment.

Wondering what kind of equipment? Both primary and auxiliary.

Primary:

• Firearms & ammunition — Shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle, small handguns, rifle scopes, ( and ammunition (different types of bullets, shells, cartridges, etc.).
• Archery equipment — Bows, arrows, broadheads & field points, archery targets & other accessories (bow case/stabilizer, arrow rest, etc.).

Out of the total $19.6 billion spent on hunting equipment, the largest share – $7.9 billion – went to the ‘firearms and ammunition’ category.

That’s because different hunting games require different gear. For small games like rabbits and birds, hunters buy small caliber rifles or shotguns. For big games like elk or deer, they switch to high-power rifles.

Auxiliary:

• Optics — Binoculars, night vision, range finders, red dot sights, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, thermal imaging, rings, bases & mounts.
• Apparel — Camouflage/orange clothing ( jacket, pants, hats, rain gear), field dressing gloves, work socks, water-proof cowboy boots, harnesses & belts, backpack, etc.
• Camping accessories — Tents & shelters, camp cookware, heathers, lighting, sleeping gear, toiletries, etc.
• First aid supplies — Bandaids, gauze, ointment, antiseptic wipes, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, etc.
• Other accessories— Decoys/game calls, ear plugs & muffs, insect repellents, flashlights, knives (pocket knives, skinning knives, etc.), scent killers & mapping essentials (GPS, compass, etc.).

In 2022, hunters didn’t just stop at the basics. They spent $3.9 billion on auxiliary items, particularly binoculars, special hunting clothing, and camping stuff. That’s 20% of the total equipment cost.

Retail Insight: For hunting supplies businesses, the right product selection is the key to success. Stock a wide range of gear, both primary and auxiliary, for different hunters.

Now, let’s discuss who’s buying the hunting supplies.

US Hunter’s Demographics & Stats

Of the 14.4 million people who participated in hunting in 2022, men significantly contributed to military & recreational hunting activities than women.

Here’s what the survey reveals:

• 77% male
• 22% female
• 1% other gender

Moreover, here is the age breakdown:

• 16 and 17: 4%
• 18-24 years: 12%
• 25-34 years: 16%
• 35-44 years: 19%
• 45-54 years: 14%
• 55-64 years: 18%
• 65-older: 17%

No single age group overwhelmingly dominates. So, as a retailer, you should stock products that appeal to a wide range of ages, from younger hunters who may be more tech-savvy to older hunters who may value comfort and ease of use when buying products from this category.

Legal Regulations for Buying and Selling Hunting Supplies in the US?

If you repetitively buy or sell firearms or offer gunsmith services (like repairing guns or customizing them with new barrels, stocks, or triggers), you must have a Type 1 Federal Firearms License (FFL).

This license is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and needs to be renewed every three years.

And this regulation applies to both wholesale and retail businesses that sell guns for a profit.

Also, you must record each sale in a logbook or system. This record-keeping ensures that if a firearm is ever used in a crime, it can be traced back to its initial retail purchaser.

Stock According To Animal’s Hunting Season: A Strategic Move To Make More Sales

In the US, each animal has its own hunting season — referring to the certain time and area when it is allowed to hunt a specific animal.

For example, deer hunting season usually starts in September and lasts till December but this can vary. Some states don’t allow hunting until October or even November whereas in some it can last till January.

As a retailer, you should know about the animal’s hunting season in your particular state and stock the hunting supplies accordingly.

Also, to cater to high demand, you should stock before hunting season starts in your area.