Hunting Experience Research Articles

Annual variation in attribute importance to upland game hunter satisfaction in Nebraska

AbstractTo sustain recreational hunting participation, we need to identify what makes a hunting experience satisfying. Merely identifying which factors are important to hunter satisfaction may be insufficient, however, as factor importance could vary across consecutive hunting seasons. Using online surveys, completed by individuals who hunted upland game in Nebraska, USA, from 2018 to 2022, we applied importance grid analysis (IGA) and penalty–reward contrast analysis (PRCA) to examine how activity‐specific factors influenced satisfaction across 5 consecutive hunting seasons. Results suggested consistent differences between the explicit (perceived importance) and implicit (performance) importance of factors for each hunting season. Factors related to seeing birds and harvest held greater implicit importance than expected based on explicit importance ratings (τ > 0.55, P < 0.05), whereas factors relating to access and other hunters held relatively lower implicit importance (τ < 0.31, P < 0.05). The PRCA method consistently identified seeing game birds as a minimum requirement to upland game hunting (penalty β < −0.26, P < 0.01). However, factors relating to harvest, access, and other hunters emerged as important only within certain seasons. Using IGA and PRCA provided valuable insights about the importance of hunters seeing game birds, and how aspects of different hunting seasons may improve satisfaction for hunters.

Experience shapes wild boar spatial response to drive hunts

Human-induced disturbances of the environment are rapid and often unpredictable in space and time, exposing wildlife to strong selection pressure favouring plasticity in specific traits. Measuring wildlife behavioural plasticity in response to human-induced disturbances such as hunting pressures is crucial in understanding population expansion in the highly plastic wild boar species. We collected GPS-based movement data from 55 wild boars during drive hunts over three hunting seasons (2019–2022) in the Czech Republic and Sweden to identify behavioural plasticity in space use and movement strategies over a range of experienced hunting disturbances. Daily distance, daily range, and daily range overlap with hunting area were not affected by hunting intensity but were clearly related to wild boar hunting experience. On average, the post-hunt flight distance was 1.80 km, and the flight duration lasted 25.8 h until they returned to their previous ranging area. We detected no relationship in flight behaviour to hunting intensity or wild boar experience. Wild boar monitored in our study showed two behavioural responses to drive hunts, “remain” or “leave”. Wild boars tended to “leave” more often with increasing hunting experience. Overall, this study highlights the behavioural plasticity of wild boar in response to drive hunts.

Predicting animal abundance through local ecological knowledge: An internal validation using consensus analysis

Abstract Given the ongoing environmental degradation from local to global scales, it is fundamental to develop more efficient means of gathering data on species and ecosystems. Local ecological knowledge, in which local communities can consistently provide information on the status of animal species over time, has been shown to be effective. Several studies demonstrate that data gathered using local ecological knowledge (LEK)‐based methods are comparable with data obtained from conventional methods (such as line transects and camera traps). Here, we employ a consensus analysis to validate and evaluate the accuracy of interview data on LEK. Additionally, we investigate the influence of social and bioecological variables on enhancing data quality. We interviewed 323 persons in 19 villages in the Western and Central Amazon to determine the level of consensus on the abundance of hunted and non‐hunted forest species. These villages varied in size, socio‐economic characteristics and in the experience with wildlife of their dwellers. Interviewees estimated the relative abundance of 101 species with a broad spectrum of bioecological characteristics using a four‐point Likert scale. High consensus was found for species population abundance in all sampled villages and for 79.6% of interviewees. The village consensus of all species abundance pooled was negatively correlated with village population size. The consensus level was high regardless of the interviewees' hunting experience. Species that are more frequently hunted or are more apparent had greater consensus values; only two species presented a low consensus level, which are rare and solitary species. We show in our study in the Amazon that information gathered by local peoples, Indigenous as well as non‐Indigenous, can be useful in understanding the status of animal species found within their environment. The high level of cultural consensus we describe likely arises from knowledge sharing and the strong connection between the persons interviewed and the forest. We suggest that consensus analysis can be used to validate LEK‐generated data instead of comparing these types of data with information obtained by conventional methods. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Қазақстан Республикасында аңшылық шаруашылығын реттеудің кейбір құқықтық мәселелері

The purpose of the proposed study is to improve the legal support of hunting farms in the Republic of Kazakhstan by studying their current state. The main position of the authors in the article is that the hunting industry should develop as a separate branch of the economy. The animal world permanently or temporarily inhabiting the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the totality of living organisms living in conditions of natural freedom are considered an integral element of the natural environment subject to protection. Hunting is one of the oldest professions of mankind, which has existed for thousands of years and was originally the source of human existence. In the article, by analyzing the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on hunting management, the existing shortcomings are identified and mechanisms for their elimination are proposed. The proposed topic is relevant and meets modern requirements. This is due to the fact that the problem of preserving biological diversity in nature is becoming an urgent problem of our society. Despite new changes in domestic legislation concerning the protection of wildlife, a comprehensive mechanism for animal protection is still considered an open question. The rational organization of the hunting economy should be used as an additional means of protecting the animal world. The authors, conducting research on the features and nature of the development of the hunting industry, proved the need to introduce a national model of the domestic hunting industry. The authors conducted a brief review of the features of the formation of the national institute of hunting economy. The ways of improving national experience are proposed, taking into account the developed hunting experience of foreign countries.

Evaluating impacts of R3 workshops for first‐time hunters at universities across the United States

AbstractDeclines in hunter numbers across the United States make hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) a high priority for wildlife management. As wildlife management agencies and nongovernmental organizations seek to reach new audiences, college campuses present a unique opportunity to cultivate nontraditional path hunters. Despite recent proliferation of R3 initiatives, little research has evaluated effects of hunting programs on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of new hunters. We designed and implemented Getting Started Outdoors: Hunting 101 workshops specifically targeting college students without previous hunting experience, and we assessed workshop efficacy with a theoretically‐grounded approach to workshop evaluation. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis of surveys conducted before, shortly after, and 12–18 months after workshops, we assessed impacts of R3 efforts at large public universities in 16 different U.S. states. Across all states, 19 workshops attracted 314 total participants, with 255 completing both pre‐ and post‐workshop assessments and 133 completing the follow‐up surveys. Workshops significantly increased participants' confidence in hunting, reduced barriers related to inadequate knowledge and skills, and fostered positive views of hunters and hunting. Immediately after workshops, most participants said they would definitely (50%) or probably (34%) hunt in the future; 82% said they would likely (or very likely) purchase a hunting license. Over one year after the workshops, 34% of workshop participants reported having hunted, and another 45% said they would probably hunt in the future. Overall, workshops attracted a diverse population of potential hunters, increased interest in future hunting, and created hunting advocates. Findings highlight the potentially powerful impact that R3 programs focused on diverse college students can have on the future of hunting across the United States.

Assessment of Thatch Grass Harvesting Model in Protected Areas and Its Role as an Additional Livelihood Option for Woman in North West Matabeleland, Zimbabwe

Thatch grass is a readily available ecosystem productthat plays a direct economic and utilitarian benefit to woman in households surrounding the protected areas of Zimbabwe. The study describes the institutional arrangement in place for the exploitation and lesson highlights of thatch grass in the protected areas of Matetsi Safari Area and Kazuma pan national park in North West Matebeleland region. The arrangement for thatch grass harvesting is that only the women (young and elderly) are allowed to apply for thatch grass harvesting in protected areas for defined period of time usually two weeks. We used park registers of thatch grass harvesters to determine the number of women involved, thatch grass bundles harvested and villages involved. At total of 15 744 bundles of thatch grass were harvested in the year 2022. The total bundles that the woman took home were 10 962 while 4 784 were retained by the park or concession holders. On average, an individual woman collected 27 to 125 bundles. Each individual woman direct income from thatch grass harvesting ranged from US$ 40 to US$187 per harvesting season. The key lesson in the thatch grass arrangement is that woman can successfully be mainstreamed directly to benefit from protected areas without experiencing negative effects associated with resource access in protected such as wildlife poaching which might occur when men are involved. Further, coordinated thatch grass harvesting has less conflict with the trophy hunting experience and activities in the hunting areas. While some challenges have been experienced in the national park component, the challenges are partly due to the perceived regulations, purpose of national parks and the somewhat negative attitude of stakeholders operating in the park to use of natural resource by local communities. In order for the thatch grass harvesting to remain sustainable and compatible with activities in the protected area there ought to be planning, coordination, monitoring of harvesting activities andongoing ecological monitoring of potential ecosystem impacts.

Mepimbat tedul proujek: Indigenous knowledge of culturally significant freshwater turtles addresses species knowledge gaps in Northern Australia

AbstractIndigenous biocultural knowledge offers valuable insights for species conservation; however, like biological diversity, associated cultural knowledge is also often threatened. This paper demonstrates how Indigenous biocultural knowledge of species can contribute to addressing gaps in species occurrence data and conservation knowledge using a case study from the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (SEAL IPA), northern Australia. Using a series of mapping workshops and interviews this collaborative project recorded Indigenous biocultural knowledge of the distribution, ecology, cultural significance and threats to freshwater turtles (freshwoda teduls in the local Indigenous language, Roper River Kriol). Based on past freshwoda tedul hunting experiences, 74 Indigenous knowledge holders identified 753 past freshwoda tedul occurrences, significantly adding to the 12 occurrences previously listed for the SEAL IPA in Australia's online species database, the Atlas of Living Australia. Importantly, these were the first ‘memory’ records of past species sightings by Indigenous people to be recognized and added to Australia's national species database. In addition, a blog summarizing this research was promoted through the Atlas of Living Australia, raising awareness of the Indigenous biocultural knowledge associated with these species. The Mepimbat tedul proujek revealed the cultural significance of freshwoda teduls and reported declines in abundance since the turn of the century, implicating invasive hard‐hooved ungulates (buffalo, pig) and reduced rainfall. The addition of non‐sacred Indigenous knowledge to free online species databases may offer innovative solutions for storage, interaction and sharing of indigenous knowledge, with opportunities for intergenerational and cross‐cultural learning and broader application in conservation management and decision‐making.

Support for nonlead shot for dove hunting in Illinois

AbstractMourning doves are the most hunted game species in the United States. Mourning dove populations are declining, and the continued use of lead shot has been cited as one contributory factor. We examined the relationship between support for a ban on lead shot when dove hunting and 3 sets of variables: (1) beliefs about lead and steel shot, (2) prior dove hunting experiences, and (3) hunter demographics. Data were obtained from a mailed survey of 4,330 dove hunters in Illinois (response rate = 59%). Our results indicated that 81% of respondents were opposed to restrictions on the use of lead shot and these individuals believed that lead ammunition did not pose a risk to wildlife and that steel shot was less effective than lead shot. Supporters of banning lead shot were almost twice as likely to use steel shot, reported 2 fewer years hunting doves, went dove hunting 75% as much, and harvested 2/3 as many doves as those who opposed a ban. Consistent with social‐psychological theory, beliefs were the best predictors of whether an individual supported or opposed a ban, followed by dove hunting experiences and demographic variables.

From a Public Trust to “Bulls for Billionaires”: The Collision of Wealth and Politics in Big Sky Country

Montana has long been known for the big game hunting opportunities it provides both residents and nonresidents. This may change in the future, as the state confronts a number of challenging issues that pose a serious threat to its long-standing hunting culture. This paper examines key changes that have occurred in recent years involving population and technology, landownership and access, and politics and license allocation. The potential impacts of these issues on the hunting experience are discussed.

Mapping of dental graduates' career paths in Hong Kong, Japan and mainland China.

Dental graduates have a variety of career-path choices. After graduation, they may join private dental practice, government- or hospital-based dental care services, research groups, academia, business or industry. With globalization and frequent international exchange, dental graduates nowadays can explore careers outside their home country. However, dental education systems and job opportunities vary widely across different regions and countries. Diversity of accreditation in dental education, different licensure requirements, and lack of global competencies in dental care often limit the globalization, operation and survival of dental practice and education worldwide. The requirements for professional education and practice can be quite diverse, and these differences will be barriers to dental graduates seeking career development outside their home home country. Fresh dental graduates have minimal experience in job hunting. More specifically, they are unfamiliar with potential career paths. This paper was based on the 4th trilateral symposium 2022 organized by The University of Hong Kong, Tohoku University, and Fujian Medical University, which offered a lecture to discuss career paths for dental graduates in Hong Kong, Japan, and mainland China. The aim of this paper was to provide dentists, particularly fresh graduated dental students, with practical insight into different career paths in Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China, SAR), Japan and mainland China, and factors that may influence their career options. It assists dental students in exploring possibilities in dentistry and preparing for their career development after graduation from dental school.

Do Forest Experience, Socialization and Demographic Characteristics Affect the Attitudes toward Hunting of Youths from Urban Areas?

Acceptance of forest management and its park, game and wildlife management is decreasing in Europe. Building a positive attitude toward game and wildlife management is a field of work of forest educators. To design and conduct effective activities, it was crucial to identify the specific needs. We conducted a survey among Polish high school students from cities and towns (1947 individuals) to find out answers to the following questions: What kind of attitude toward hunting (ATH) do Polish teenagers have? What shapes their ATH? Is this attitude and its drivers similar to the ones of adults? Half of Polish urban teenagers recognized that hunting in Poland is necessary. From socio-demographic factors, forest and hunting experience had the largest impact on teenagers’ attitude toward hunting. Gender and social network had a smaller but still significant impact. Other factors, e.g., place of residence, had no impact on the ATH. Our results show that forest education should be focused on all young residents, no matter if they are from a big city or a small town, as teenagers’ ATH is the same. Field trips and other active methods are recommended because personal experience has the largest impact on shaping ATH.

Choosing an optimal duck season: integrating hunter values and duck abundance

AbstractState wildlife agencies have long struggled to identify optimal hunting season dates for migratory game bird species that meet the diverse and often competing interests of stakeholders. Many approaches have been used to ensure the regulated community participates in the decision‐making process, including public hearings, hunter season‐date preference surveys, and hunter task forces or committees. Although hearings, surveys, and task force approaches include portions of the regulated community (typically the most avid) they may not necessarily reflect the opinions and values of all stakeholders. Additionally, these approaches rely heavily on limited anecdotal observations that may be unduly influenced by hunter avidity (e.g., days spent afield), hunter density, species preferences, and property access. To address the challenges caused by engaging only portions of the stakeholder community, we used a structured decision‐making framework that included a 2017 duck hunter survey to elucidate values of a representative sample of the regulated community in each waterfowl hunting zone in the state of New York, USA. Rather than asking duck hunters about their specific duck hunting season date preferences, we asked them to rank 6 objectives describing what they value in their hunting experience (e.g., maximizing the opportunity to see mallards [Anas platyrhynchos] and black ducks [Anas rubripes], maximizing the number of weekend days). Four of the 6 objectives described duck species availability (i.e., abundance or immigration) and the remaining 2 described considerations that affect an individual hunter's opportunity or limitation to going duck hunting (i.e., holidays or conflicting hunting seasons). We used spatiotemporal abundance models derived from eBird citizen science data to estimate abundance and immigration rates of ducks in each waterfowl zone. We evaluated up to 9 unique season date alternatives developed by duck hunter task forces to determine which season date alternative best satisfied the competing objectives of duck hunters in each zone. The approach we developed allowed for selection of optimal duck hunting season dates and successfully involved avid duck hunters in the regulation development stages, while ensuring that the values of a representative sample of all stakeholders were directly considered through a clear and transparent decision‐making process.

Hunting: A risk factor associated with malaria infection in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Malaria is a known major health problem affecting half of the world’s population. The disease prevalence is associated with some occupational risks. The aim of this study was to determine malaria prevalence among hunters in Ogun state, southwest Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered on 212 consenting hunters whose blood samples were collected. The blood samples were screened for Plasmodium species by microscopy using both thin and thick blood smears. Blood parameters were monitored in both infected and non-infected hunters; Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, WBC count, and RBC count. Plasmodium falciparum was observed in the blood of 38 hunters (17.9%), of which three had a PCV of ≤ 33%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Plasmodium parasite and gender of the hunters but there was a significant difference with PCV, RBC, haemoglobin concentration, age, sleeping in the bush, mosquito bite, level of education and hunting experience of the hunters as regards Plasmodium infection. With the prevalence recorded from this study, there is need for hunters to be educated on the risk of malaria and the need to use insecticide treated nets, repellents and protective clothing during their hunting adventures.

IoT-based ECG monitoring for arrhythmia classification using Coyote Grey Wolf optimization-based deep learning CNN classifier

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is extensively used to evaluate the heart condition that can lead to further investigate heart ailments detection of heart diseases. The process is simple, quick, and non-invasive. However, manually detecting and classifying arrhythmia is not easy, as manually analyzing the ECG signals is time-consuming. This research proposes an automatic detection and classification of arrhythmia using the proposed optimized deep learning classifier. Initially, the ECG signals collected using the Internet of Things (IoT) nodes are processed to generate the QRS complex and the RR interval for establishing the feature vector for the arrhythmia classification, which is done using the proposed Coy-Grey Wolf optimization-based deep convolution neural network (Coy-GWO-based Deep CNN) classifier that detects the anomalies in the ECG signal. The proposed Coy-GWO algorithm inherits the hybrid characteristics, such as social hunting hierarchies and the hunting experiences of the canids, which ensures the effective parameter update in the classifier. Finally, the classification model is implemented and analyzed based on the performance measures. The proposed Coy-GWO-based Deep CNN attained the classification accuracy of 95%, which outperforms the existing techniques.

Duck hunter activity, success, and satisfaction on public hunting areas

AbstractBecause hunting disturbance can influence local distribution of ducks and their availability to hunters, managers often limit access to hunting areas to improve hunting success and satisfaction. Few studies have quantified the effectiveness of public area access restrictions on duck hunter activity, harvest, or hunters' satisfaction with their hunting experience. We used a cross‐over design over 6 consecutive hunting seasons (2008–2009 through 2013–2014) on State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) in northeastern Colorado, USA, to compare the effects of restricted hunting access regulations and regulations without these restrictions on duck hunter activity, harvest success, harvest levels, and satisfaction. We also considered effects of SWA types, duck abundance, temperature, precipitation, use of equipment by duck hunting parties, and, for hunter satisfaction, hunting success, hunting parties' satisfaction with ducks seen, habitat conditions, crowding from other hunters, and SWA regulations. The number of days when duck hunters had access to restricted properties was about half that on unrestricted properties, and unrestricted properties were used by about twice as many duck hunting parties, but the mean number of hunting parties per available hunting day and mean party size were similar under the 2 types of regulations. Most (56%) duck hunting parties did not bag any ducks; hunting success (harvest of ≥1 duck by a hunting party) was best explained by a model that included a regulation type × hunting season interaction, a SWA type × month interaction, hunter density the previous day, an index of hunter investment (number of decoys used and whether dogs and calls were used), and temperature. Successful hunting parties harvested 1.92 ± 1.60 (SD) ducks/hunter/day (range = 0.1–7.0); the best model predicting the number of ducks harvested per hunter in successful parties included a regulation type × hunting season interaction, a SWA type × month interaction, hunter density the previous day, an index of hunter investment, temperature, and precipitation. Overall satisfaction of duck hunting parties with a day's hunt averaged 3.62 ± 1.20 based on a rank scale of 1 (very unsatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), and was best explained by a model that included hunting party success; hunter investment; temperature; and satisfaction with duck numbers, habitat conditions, hunting regulations, and crowding. While greatly reducing days available for hunting, access restrictions were associated with improved chances of hunting parties successfully harvesting ≥1 duck in 5 of 6 hunting seasons, and substantially greater numbers of ducks harvested by hunters in successful parties in 1 of 6 hunting seasons. Restrictions did not have a strong direct effect on hunting parties' satisfaction with a day's hunt. Uncontrolled factors, including weather and use of equipment by hunters, had important influences on hunter success, harvest, and satisfaction. Managers should carefully assess hunting activity, hunter expectations and desires, and hunting area characteristics when considering access restrictions on public hunting areas.

WEST NILE VIRUS EXPOSURE AND INFECTION AMONG HUNTER-HARVESTED RUFFED GROUSE (BONASA UMBELLUS) COHORTS IN A STABLE POPULATION.

West Nile virus (WNV) was introduced to North America two decades ago, but for many species, including Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), the effects of WNV on individuals and populations remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest the effect of WNV on Ruffed Grouse might vary among geographic regions, depending on habitat conditions. We studied WNV in Minnesota, US, during 2018-19, in a region known to have abundant Ruffed Grouse habitat and a population cycling around a stable long-term average. We worked with cooperating hunters to collect hearts, feathers, and blood on filter strips from birds harvested in the fall to examine exposure to the virus. We detected antibodies to WNV or a flavivirus (probably WNV) in 12.5% and 12.3% of birds in 2018 and 2019, respectively. However, we did not isolate the virus from any heart samples, indicating that exposed birds were not experiencing an active infection of WNV at the time of harvest. Our findings indicate that, although Minnesota Ruffed Grouse are exposed to WNV, some birds mount a successful immune response and survive. However, our sampling approach did not account for birds that might have become infected over the summer and died, so it is unknown how much WNV mortality occurred before the fall harvest. Birds lost to WNV over the summer could reduce the number of birds that hunters see in the fall, thus reducing the quality of their hunting experiences. Management options for mitigating WNV impacts and other stressors consist primarily of providing high-quality Ruffed Grouse habitat that produces birds in good condition that are more likely to recover from infection.

Differentiation of the attributes that influence tourist hunters’ satisfaction in Serbia

ABSTRACT Some hunter satisfaction surveys have been based on customer satisfaction research (importance-performance analysis, importance-grid analysis, penalty-reward-contrast analysis). This article applied a similar methodology on European hunting tourists. The goal was to identify determinants of hunting tourists’ satisfaction and specific elements of the hunting experience that influence overall satisfaction. Results suggested that “opportunity to see” and “to shoot game” most affected hunter satisfaction in Serbia. Variety of game species, large population size, and health of game populations were significant determinants of hunter tourists’ satisfaction, along with trophy value of game. Accommodation elements (comfort, ambiance, arrangement, equipment of hunting lodge) and additional tourist offerings (visiting nearest tourist sites) were not important for overall satisfaction.

Socialization and motivational pathways among different groups of non-traditional hunters in Alabama reveal unique recruitment and retention opportunities

ABSTRACT Participation in hunting has been declining and organizations have increased efforts to recruit non-traditional path hunters (NTPHs) such as adults who did not hunt as children, urban residents, and women. Anecdotal evidence suggests that NTPHs could be interested in hunting if recruiters emphasized certain aspects of the hunting experience such as connecting to nature or harvesting sustainable meat. To explore effects of non-traditional backgrounds on recruitment and retention, we measured the importance of socialization pathways, recruitment motives, and retention motives of a group of current hunters in Alabama Wildlife Management Areas (n = 700). A generalized ordinal logit regression model determined effects of different non-traditional backgrounds (e.g., non-hunting family, adult-onset hunters, urban resident, female, millennial) on recruitment and retention. We found that each non-traditional background has a unique influence on recruitment and retention, indicating a need for investigating specific NTPH backgrounds rather than a single homogenous NTPH group.

Diverse University Students Across the United States Reveal Promising Pathways to Hunter Recruitment and Retention

ABSTRACTDeclining participation in hunting, especially among young adult hunters, affects the ability of state and federal agencies to achieve goals for wildlife management and decreases revenue for conservation. For wildlife agencies hoping to engage diverse audiences in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts, university settings provide unique advantages: they contain millions of young adults who are developmentally primed to explore new activities, and they cultivate a social atmosphere where new identities can flourish. From 2018 to 2020, we surveyed 17,203 undergraduate students at public universities across 22 states in the United States to explore R3 potential on college campuses and assess key demographic, social, and cognitive correlates of past and intended future hunting behavior. After weighting to account for demographic differences between our sample and the larger student population, 29% of students across all states had hunted in the past. Students with previous hunting experience were likely to be white, male, from rural areas or hunting families, and pursuing degrees related to natural resources. When we grouped students into 1 of 4 categories with respect to hunting (i.e., non‐hunters [50%], potential hunters [22%], active hunters [26%], and lapsed hunters [3%]), comparisons revealed differences based on demographic attributes, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Compared to active hunters, potential hunters were more likely to be females or racial and ethnic minorities, and less likely to experience social support for hunting. Potential hunters valued game meat and altruistic reasons for hunting, but they faced unique constraints due to lack of hunting knowledge and skills. Findings provide insights for marketing and programming designed to achieve R3 objectives with a focus on university students. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

Assessment of Wildlife Hunting Activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess hunting activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from fifty hunters using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that 96% of hunters in the study area were men. Most of the respondents were married (84%) and within the age bracket of 31 and 50 years (48%). About 34% and 40% of respondents had primary and secondary education respectively while 13% had no formal education. They had between 20 and 29 years’ experience in wild animal hunting. Sixty-eight percent of the hunters in the study area engaged in part-time hunting while 32% were full-time hunters. The study further revealed that the hunters engaged in hunting for financial gain (64%), leisure (34%) and family tradition (38%). About ten types of species of wildlife animals were commonly killed by the hunters, and the animals were sold within the community market (42%), outside the community market (32%) and to visiting bushmeat marketers (26%). The study therefore recommends a policy that will control hunting activitiesin the study area, knowing that animal hunting serves as another source of livelihood to the hunters.
 Keywords: Hunters, wildlife, bushmeat, community market, occupation