Factors influencing intention to visit wildlife management areas: A survey of sportspersons and other recreationists in Tennessee

Abstract

ABSTRACT The demand for recreational access to wildlife management areas (WMAs) is relatively under-studied subject in human dimensions of wildlife. Management of public lands such as WMAs is challenging due to the diverse preferences of outdoor recreationists. By using mixed-mode survey data collected from sportspersons and other recreationists in Tennessee, this study analyzed the factors that influence the outdoor recreationists’ intention to visit WMAs. Although the results indicate a high level of interest among sportspersons and other recreationists, visiting intentions were significantly influenced by site quality and recent experiences but not by perceptions of crowding. Similarly, the intention to visit WMAs was positively related to improvements in recreational services. These findings suggest that investment in recreational services, such as trails, hunting, fishing, and camping facilities, may help to increase public visits and generate significant benefits for visitors and wildlife agencies.