2019-2020 Illinois Deer Hunter Report

Walberg, Eric M.; Miller, Craig A.; Stephens, Lauren J.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113370 Copy

Description

Title

2019-2020 Illinois Deer Hunter Report

Author(s)

• Walberg, Eric M.
• Miller, Craig A.
• Stephens, Lauren J.

Issue Date

2022-01-20

Keyword(s)

• deer
• deer hunter
• deer hunting policy and regulations
• hunter attitudes
• management preferences

Geographic Coverage

Illinois

Abstract

A random sample was drawn of 3,000 Illinois residents with a 2018 Illinois deer hunting permit and/or were drawn for a 2019 deer lottery permit on public land. Selected individuals were mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to understand attitudes, constraints, and related behaviors regarding deer hunting in Illinois. We received 1,417 questionnaires for a 49% response rate. A majority of hunters participated in the archery (66%) and/or firearm seasons (82%), and 15% participated in the muzzleloader season. Deer hunters on average harvested 0.5 deer/hunter during the archery season, 0.6 deer/hunter during the firearm season, and 0.3 deer/hunter during the muzzleloader season. Respondents reported that the most essential items for deer hunting (aside from license, permit, bow or firearm/ammunition) were: (1) tree stands (71%), (2) binoculars (39%), (3) cover scent (39%), and (4) range finders (39%). A majority of respondents believed that the deer population in the county where they hunt deer most often was about right (61%), 24% believed the deer population was too low, and 15% believed the deer population was too high. Most hunters (83%) were satisfied with their overall hunting experience during the 2019-20 deer hunting season. Respondents believed that the most important strategy for the IDNR to take in managing CWD in deer in Illinois were: (1) use all methods necessary to manage CWD (47%), (2) use existing hunting seasons alone to manage CWD (16%), and (3) take no action and let nature take its course (6%).

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

• Technical Report INHS 2022 (02)
• Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-29

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113370

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife

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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