An independent national survey released today suggests that a majority of the hunting public agrees with recent waterfowl season lengths and bag limits set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Duck Hunter Survey, commissioned by the National Flyway Council and the Wildlife Management Institute, is the first effort ever to ask a sample of duck hunters in every state their views about waterfowl regulation. It will enable the Service to incorporate an accurate representation of hunters views as part of the waterfowl management process.
The National Flyway Council and the Wildlife Management Institute received completed questionnaires from more than 10,000 duck hunters nationwide to gauge opinions of recent seasons and bags, perceptions of duck populations, duck management priorities and past involvement and current interest in duck hunting.
This survey is the first to ask a representative sample of duck hunters in every state their opinions on duck hunting and conservation," said Don Childress, National Flyway Council chair. "The results of this effort will better inform fish and wildlife agencies about the views of duck hunters throughout this country and will aid in the development of hunting regulations."
Hunting regulations work best when hunters understand and support the underlying rationale and goals behind management decisions," said Service Director H. Dale Hall. "It is important that policy-makers consider the attitudes of hunters in the development and ongoing adjustment of a successful waterfowl management program. The National Duck Hunter Survey helps provide this information."
Highlights from the Survey include:
