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What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences

Wetlands
By: , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-023-01744-w

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Abstract

Canadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel, quantity of waterfowl seen, and the potential for interference/competition. We found a diminishing return associated with the number of waterfowl harvested, and that ‘devoted’ and ‘local’ hunters did not perceive appreciable benefit from harvesting more birds beyond harvesting a single bird. Results highlight the importance of not only considering population size, but also the location of habitat for people and waterfowl. Our results provide waterfowl managers important insights into the heterogeneity of North American waterfowl hunters by highlighting differences in priorities for waterfowl hunting trips. Notably, to address this heterogeneity, managers could consider the balance of objectives, actions and resources designed to satisfy current waterfowl hunters. Managing access to improve the likelihood that hunters will see and have opportunities to harvest some waterfowl has benefit to hunters.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences
Series title Wetlands
DOI 10.1007/s13157-023-01744-w
Volume 44
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Springer Nature
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown, Fort Collins Science Center
Description 35, 17 p.
Country Canada, United States
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