2017-2018 Illinois Recruitment, Retention, and Reengagement Report

Walberg, Eric M.; Miller Craig A.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/107796 Copy

Description

Title

2017-2018 Illinois Recruitment, Retention, and Reengagement Report

Author(s)

• Walberg, Eric M.
• Miller Craig A.

Issue Date

2019-11-27

Keyword(s)

• Hunters
• Hunter satisfaction
• Hunter retention
• Hunter recruitment
• Hunter behavior

Geographic Coverage

Illinois

Abstract

A random, stratified sample of 6,102 current and past hunters were selected among Illinois hunting license purchasers across six license years (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016) and three age categories (18 – 34 years, 35 – 54 years, 55+ years). Selected individuals were mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to study hunter recruitment, retention and reengagement. We received 1,367 usable questionnaires for an overall response rate of 25%. Half of respondents (50%) indicated they purchased an Illinois hunting license during the 2017-18 seasons and 87% of license purchasers reported hunting 1 day or more during the 2017-18 seasons. Over three-quarters of respondents (77%) indicated that they intend to hunt in Illinois in the future, though only 32% of respondents indicated that they hunt every year in Illinois. Most respondents (73%) were satisfied with their overall hunting experience during the 2017-18 hunting seasons in Illinois. The main reasons for hunting were: to enjoy nature, be outdoors, and experience natural surroundings. Over half of respondents (58%) indicated that their hunting effort had decreased over the past 5 years. The main reasons that keep respondents from hunting were: work/family commitments, access to hunting opportunities close to home, and household chores. Fewer than one-third (31%) of respondents indicated that they have taken someone hunting for their first time during the last 5 years. The main reasons for not taking hunters on their first hunt were: all their friends already hunt, none of their friends are interested, and lack of time to teach a new hunter.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

• Technical Report INHS 2019 (39)
• Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-27

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107796

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
• Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-27

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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