University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Hunter Participation, Harvest, And Hunting Behavior During The 2012 Illinois Conservation Order Season

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

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/46000

Description

Title
Hunter Participation, Harvest, And Hunting Behavior During The 2012 Illinois Conservation Order Season
Author(s)
  • Alessi, Mark G.
  • Miller, Craig A.
  • Campbell, Linda K.
Issue Date
2012-08-27
Keyword(s)
  • Harvest
  • light geese
  • hunters
  • Conservation Order season
  • waterfowl management
  • IDNR Division of Wildlife U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service INHS
Abstract
Harvest of light geese (Chen caerulescens, Chen rossii) during the 2012 Illinois Light Goose Conservation Order season was estimated at 87,558, a 32% increase from the 2011 estimate of 66,406 geese. Participation increased 50%, from 3,825 hunters in 2011 to 5,726hunters in 2012. Hunters spent an estimated 51,763 days afield during 2012, an increase of 21,010 days (68%) from 2011. The majority (69%) of the light goose harvest occurred during the month of February. Electronic calls were used most often (68%); unplugged shotguns were used by 60% of hunters. Fifty-two percent of light goose hunters indicated an increase in effort over the past five years, and 59% of hunters perceived an increase in light goose abundance during the regular goose seasons. More than one-half (57%) of non-hunters were interested in light goose hunting to extend their hunting season and enjoy the outdoors. Hunters who did not participate in the Conservation Order season reported “no place to hunt snow geese,” “no snow geese in my area,” and “not enough time” as the primary reasons they did not hunt light geese.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
  • Technical Report
  • Technical Report INHS 2012 (24)
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46000
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
IDNR Division of Wildlife U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service INHS
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.