Results of the 2007-2008 Illinois Hunter Harvest Survey

Lischka, Stacy A.; Campbell, Linda K.; Carpenter, Samantha K.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/18120 Copy

Description

Title

Results of the 2007-2008 Illinois Hunter Harvest Survey

Author(s)

• Lischka, Stacy A.
• Campbell, Linda K.
• Carpenter, Samantha K.

Issue Date

2008-10-09

Keyword(s)

• hunt
• harvest
• rabbit
• quail
• pheasant
• dove
• woodcock
• gray partridge
• raccoon
• coyote
• squirrel
• deer
• fox
• INHS Division of Ecology and Conservation Science
• INHS Section for Wildlife and Plant Ecology
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources
• Illinois Natural History Survey
• Science in support of state fish, wildlife and outdoor recreational programs

Abstract

A random sample of 3,000 potential hunters was selected from among 2007 Illinois Habitat Stamp and hunting license purchasers. An 8-page questionnaire was successfully mailed to 2,906 of the 3,000 individuals. We received 1,625 returned questionnaires, 1,620 of which were usable, for a 56% response rate. Comparisons of harvest estimates from the 2006-2007 season to the 2007-2008 season suggest harvest decreased for 10 game animal categories (rabbit, quail, pheasant, dove, gray partridge, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, red fox, gray fox, and opossum), and increased for 3 categories (woodcock, raccoon, and coyote). License sales increased 0.4% from 282,000 sold for the 2006 season to 283,000 sold in the 2007 season. This represents a recovery in license sales of less than 1% since the lowest level on record (since 1938) in 2005. Low license sales may be related to increasing difficulty in finding land to hunt. Resident hunters pursuing deer (61%) and small game species (51%) reported little difficulty in gaining access to hunting lands. However, all other seasons were associated with more difficulty in accessing land. Efforts should be undertaken to ensure that hunters are aware of the locations of public hunting lands associated with these seasons. Few residents reported leasing land (4%) or hiring outfitters (1%) to access land.

Publisher

Division of Ecology and Conservation Science Section for Wildlife and Plant Ecology

Series/Report Name or Number

• Human Dimensions Research Program Report HR-08-01
• Technical Report INHS 2008 (33)
• Illinois Hunter Harvest Survey
• Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-17

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/18120

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

INHS Technical Report Prepared for Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Illinois Natural History Survey

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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