A survey regarding recreation in the state shows that in 2022 about 290,000 people went hunting, 1.2 million went fishing and 6.2 million watched wildlife.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife recently released the participation and spending numbers for the state.

The data, collected during a national survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, documented outdoor recreationists and their demographic information.

The survey also quantified spending related to these activities, and how much time participants spent hunting, fishing, watching wildlife, or participating in other wildlife-related recreation activities.

“Activities made possible through WDFW’s stewardship of fish, wildlife, and ecosystems have a significant impact on Washington’s economy,” Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind said in a release. “Conserving fish, wildlife, and habitat and providing sustainable opportunities contribute to our way of life and identity while providing jobs and economic opportunities to our residents and generating tax revenue for the state.”

Folks who took to the outdoors in the state spent about $9 billion on equipment and trip-related expenses in 2022, with $630 million in taxes contributing to the State General Fund.

Wildlife-related recreation expenditures exceeded consumer expenditures in other major product categories, including telecommunication services, new motor vehicles and accommodations such as hotels.

Tax revenues associated with this spending exceeded general fund contributions to fish and wildlife management four-fold.

About 4.4 million state residents — 72% of the state’s population — participated in wildlife-related recreation, and 2.5 million traveled at least a mile from their homes to do so.

Locally, North Cascades National Park saw visitation numbers increase to 30,154 in 2022 after falling to 17,855 in 2021.