By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Hunting has grown into an economic force that supports thousands of jobs in Illinois.

Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said the average hunter spends approximately $2,400 a year in Illinois, contributing to an industry that adds 18,000 jobs to the state’s economy.

In total, 512,000 hunters spend approximately $235 million per year on equipment in Illinois, according to Karr.

“In all sectors, they spend about $1.3 billion annually, and that would include stops at restaurants, gas, those kind of things,” Karr said.

Karr said more than 50,000 people travel to Illinois to hunt every year, with variety adding to the sport’s popularity.

“We are seeing an increase as you add certain animals,” Karr said. “For example, bobcats are now allowed. You can hunt them with permits. Requests for those doubled in the last year.”

As hunting becomes more popular, events like the ECA Hunting and Trade Show that recently took place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield see hunter attendance go up, as well.

“Any show like this helps in terms of the hunting, spreading the word, and getting more people excited about it just further boosts the economy,” Karr said.

Karr is a hunter who sees several reasons for Illinois hunting gaining in popularity.

“The natural enjoyment of the outdoors, getting away from our electronics, and all the noise of our day-to-day lives and to be out in nature I think is what really draws people,” Karr said.