Managing the vanishing North American hunter: A novel framework to address declines in hunters and hunter-generated conservation funds
As long as the funding mechanism supporting state wildlife conservation relies heavily on hunter-generated funds, declines in hunter participation are a threat to the conservation of both game and non-game species. To address options to bolster wildlife agency profit from the sale of hunting licenses, we developed a stage-based, stochastic population model of a hunter population, and demonstrate its utility within a decision-making framework to inform state wildlife agency decisions. We evaluated hypothetical youth and adult recruitment-focused outreach programs over 10 years to increase license sale profit. Using our model as the core of a decision analysis, state agencies can set hunter population or license profit targets, and evaluate management actions designed to achieve those objectives. We anticipate that our approach will provide a valuable framework for anticipating the future of hunting and hunting-generated conservation funds, and can be extended to other user groups, including target shooters and anglers.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
---|---|
Title | Managing the vanishing North American hunter: A novel framework to address declines in hunters and hunter-generated conservation funds |
DOI | 10.1080/10871209.2018.1499155 |
Authors | J.L. Price-Tack, Conor P. McGowan, S.S. Ditchkoff, W.C. Morse, O.J. Robinson |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal |
Index ID | 70206273 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
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Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Madison, WI, Office
1 Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
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Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Madison, WI, Office
1 Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
United States