The reason we go
Protein is not the prime objective for Wingshooting USA TV viewers when they take to the uplands in search of pheasant, quail and grouse. That’s one revelation in show host Scott Linden’s fourth annual “Upland Nation Index,” a national survey of his viewers. The languishing economy might prompt big-game hunters and waterfowlers to make meat for the pot a priority; in fact, a recent more general survey identified a rising trend among hunters going afield primarily to supplement their pantries. But Linden says for upland bird hunters, food isn’t their primary objective.
“Watching my dog work” is the main reason Linden’s fans go hunting, according to his survey. With over 33 percent of Wingshooting USA viewers owning two or more dogs, that shouldn’t be surprising. And while that may be a full house for some, 28 percent of Linden’s fans are planning to buy another dog soon, say respondents.
“Being with friends and family” is the number two reason viewers hunt, being in natural surroundings ranks third, and “bringing home food” ranks dead last among choices in the Index. Speaking of priorities, Wingshooting USA TV fans live, eat and breathe shotgunning and bird dogs. When they’re not hunting, their principal free-time activities are dog training and clay target shooting (42 percent each).
Where are they going in pursuit of their passions? Forty-five percent hunt public land almost exclusively. Forty-two percent hunt private land via one of the landowner access programs or by asking permission, and the remaining 13 percent hunt primarily on preserves.
Linden’s fans are a restless lot too. Fifty-six percent plan to hunt outside their home state, with South Dakota the prime destination (25 percent of all out-of-state trips) and Kansas capturing the interest of another 17 percent.
The Upland Nation Index surveyed 1,700 viewers of the Wingshooting USA television program in January, 2013. The margin for error is plus or minus five percent. Wingshooting USA is the most-watched upland bird hunting show in the U.S., airing on seven networks including a debut on Discovery Channel’s Destination America this summer. It is the official TV series of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Scott Linden Outdoors 
The “Upland Nation Index” reference indicated it was the survey…perhaps, you miswrote at some point. That’s ok, happens to us all.
My guess though, is that “your” survey did not have 3/4 of a million respondents….that sounds like a number best for a stab at selling advertising space on your show.
No, I seldom watch your show for the reasons I gave…..please, stop backing the dogs and…..quiet will be repayed with more and better shots at birds.. :-).
Viewers might like it, even if advertisers do not.
As to “peers”…well, that word does not fit like a blanket…and that is a good thing.
I assume like your hat but affecting a Stormy Kromer might be a pleasant awakening for you…..you might consider one.
If the survey was only of the show’s viewers then I suspect there would be some doubt of the accuracy in the results being applied too widely. Surveys can be manipulated by the wording, as a start….plus, “fans” like to make their focus happy.
I would suggest that most of the bird hunters I know do not watch the show….there is a bit to much never-ending gab and far too much of the hunter backing the birddog.
Other than that and the expected promoting of some lodge……not bad.
I do expect that new bird hunters watch….the operative word being “new”..
Were I to be asked what was the objective as in the survey …I would have to say the activity simply supplies never-ending grins and grimaces along with memories and discoveries in an upland setting that spans years…and, often, generations.
I don’t know whose show you’re watching Bob, but it sure isn’t mine. Survey is a compilation of lists including my show’s viewers an thousands of others. Of course, most bird hunters don’t watch the show … there are 6.5 million bird hunters and only 750,000 watch in any given week. I DO agree with your last statement – that is the objective of the show, but the survey goal is to get some useful information to make the show better every year as well as show bird hunters what they and their peers are thinking.