For the purposes of this document, the terms “visitor” and “tourist” are interchangeable,
and refer to both residents and nonresidents who travel for leisure or business purposes, taking
money they earned in one place, and spending it elsewhere. The number of nonresidents
visiting Montana rose 46% from 1990 to 2000 (Figure 2.4), compared to 85% growth in lodging
sales (Figure 2.5). However, the number of summer visitors declined from 1996 to 2001.
Economic Impact of Hunting & Fishing
(Source: Montana FWP)
Sportsmen in Montana spent substantial dollars in 2000 on transportation, food,
lodging, guide fees and other items (Table 2.2). The average non-guided, nonresident hunter
has an economic impact of $1,600 per trip to Montana, while a guided hunter has a $3,800
impact (total of $200 million in 2000).
So You want to Foot the bill:
Nonresidents support a significant share of Montana’s fish and game management
efforts: two-thirds of all fiscal year 2000 hunting/fishing license revenue to FWP came from
nonresidents. Additionally, 43% of the entire FWP Department’s total 2001 revenue came from
nonresident hunting/fishing license sales. So, if the number of nonresident sportsmen declines,
the FWP budget will decline, or resident sportsmen will have to make up the loss in revenue.