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What predicts support for antler point restrictions?

January 1, 2014

Although considerable research has focused on satisfaction with recreation experiences, limited work has examined factors related to regulatory support. In 2005, an antler point restriction (APR) regulation was introduced for hunting white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Minnesota’s Itasca State Park. Hunter surveys were conducted following the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 seasons. We modeled how (a) satisfaction with the deer seen, (b) type of deer pursued, (c) agency trust, and (d) years of deer-hunting experience, influenced support for the APR, and compared the model over the four survey years. Type of deer pursued and agency trust were the strongest predictors of APR support, followed by satisfaction with deer seen, and years of hunting experience. Hunters who targeted big bucks, had more trust in the agency, and expressed more satisfaction with deer seen in the field, were more supportive of the APR. Hunters who had more deer-hunting experience were less supportive.

Publication Year 2014
Title What predicts support for antler point restrictions?
DOI 10.1080/10871209.2014.915598
Authors Susan A. Schroeder, Louis Cornicelli, David C. Fulton, Marrett D. Grund
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal
Index ID 70173690
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Coop Res Unit Leetown