University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Results of the 2010-2011 Illinois Deer Management Survey

Alessi, Mark G.; Campbell, Linda K.; Miller, Craig A.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45806

Description

Title
Results of the 2010-2011 Illinois Deer Management Survey
Author(s)
  • Alessi, Mark G.
  • Campbell, Linda K.
  • Miller, Craig A.
Issue Date
2011-09-09
Keyword(s)
  • white-tailed deer
  • farmers
  • damage
  • deer abundance
  • perceptions
  • deer hunting
  • hunters
  • attitudes
  • deer population
  • IL Department of Natural Resources
  • IL Natural History Survey
Abstract
A stratified random sample of Illinois farmers was generated and 5,000 farmers were mailed a self-administered, 8-page questionnaire. We received 2,706 surveys for a 55% response rate. Statewide, 51% of farmers perceived an increase in white-tailed deer(Odocoileus virginianus)density on their farms over the past 5 years, and 82% of those farmersfavor a decline in the deer populationduringthe next 5 years.A majority(68%) of farmers statewide enjoyed deer on their farm,but 46% worried about deer damage; however these attitudes varied acrossregions. One-third (33%) of farmers experienced minor crop damagefrom deeranda similar proportion(30%)moderate damage, but most farmers(74%) did not take any actions to prevent damagedue to deer. A majority (71%) of farmersdid not huntdeerduring 2010-2011 deer seasons, but allowed friends and family to huntdeer ontheir property. A minority (16%) of farmers who permitted deer hunting access imposed harvest regulations upon the hunters, of which minimum antler size and harvesting a doe before a buck were the most frequent.Farmers’attitudes towards deer hunting, hunters,and harvestare discussed.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
Technical Report INHS 2011 (46)
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45806
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
IL Department of Natural Resources; IL Natural History Survey Grant/Contract No: W-112-R-20
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.

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.