1. Identification and Specialization as a Waterfowl Hunter
Susan A. Schroeder
University of Minnesota Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology Dept.; Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
Jeffrey S. Lawrence & Steven D. Cordts
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Key Findings:
Our results suggest parallels between leisure identity & specialization, but underscore the utility of measuring both concepts. By measuring waterfowl-hunting identity among current & lapsed participants, we clarified important differences between groups of hunters. Specifically, we found that apprentice hunters hold increased interest & attraction to waterfowl hunting compared to non-identified hunters, but have reduced knowledge & financial commitment that may reflect constraints to participation. In addition, we found that lapsed participants may report reduced specialization compared to current participants, but a substantial majority of lapsed participants who still identify as waterfowl hunters intend to participate in the future. Measuring leisure identity provides a useful means to differentiate recreationists, & better understand participation & progression in an activity.
Background
Leisure Identity
Identity emphasizes role of self-concept (i.e. a person’s definition of themselves) in leisure motivation & behavior
When someone identifies with a leisure activity it becomes part of person rather than just something they do (i.e. “I am a waterfowl hunter” vs. “I hunt waterfowl”)
Few studies have applied identity theory to leisure activities
Recreation specialization
Based on concept of progression to higher stages of involvement in an activity
Comprehensive measure: psychological, cognitive, behavioral components
Considerable research on recreation specialization, but few studies have actually tested progression
Lapsed recreation participants
All kinds of recreation face turnover in participation, but research focuses on current participants over lapsed or former ones
Loss of 1/3 of Minnesota waterfowl hunters between 1999 and No research comparing specialization & identity between current & lapsed recreation participants
Results
Current vs. Lapsed Hunters
Results & Discussion
Lapsed hunters reported less specialization & identification with waterfowl hunting compared to current hunters
Waterfowl-hunting identity is related to psychological, cognitive, & behavioral specialization. Specialization was lowest for those with no identity, higher for apprentices, highest for those with current identity, & somewhat lower for those who formerly but no longer identified with waterfowl hunting.
Consistent with previous research, we found inconsistencies related to years of participation in waterfowl hunting as a measure of recreation specialization. Among current hunters, we observed a significant decrease in years of hunting experience between non-identified & apprentice hunters, suggesting a pool of non-identified participants who are not very invested in the sport, yet continue to participate, presumably with family or friends.
Current apprentice hunters rated their psychological specialization & behavioral resistance to change higher than non-identified hunters did, but their waterfowl-hunting knowledge, financial commitment, & volitional control lower. They also had less waterfowl-hunting experience. Apprentice hunters may have more interest & enthusiasm than hunters that participate but don’t identify, but may face constraints that limit their participation.
(a) comparing self-identification and specialization as a waterfowl hunter among current and lapsed Minnesota waterfowl hunters, (b) examining relationships between identity and measures of specialization in these two samples, and (c) clarifying whether different aspects of specialization remain high after identification with the activity has declined.
Objectives
Compare waterfowl-hunting identity & specialization between current & lapsed Minnesota waterfowl hunters,
Examine relationships between identity & measures of specialization in these two samples,
Clarify whether different aspects of specialization remain high after identification with the activity has declined.
Relationship Between Identity and Specialization
Data & Methods
2 mail surveys (4 mailings each)
Current waterfowl hunters
aged 18+ years purchased 2010 waterfowl stamp
4,000 surveys distributed statewide, stratified by region
1,946 full surveys returned, 50% adjusted response rate
Lapsed waterfowl hunters
aged 20–59 years, purchased MN waterfowl stamp but not since
1,000 surveys distributed, $1 incentive 1st mailing
438 full surveys returned, 49% adjusted response rate
Variables
Identity
I [went/go] waterfowl hunting, but I [did not/do not] really consider myself a waterfowl hunter.
I [was/am] in the process of becoming a waterfowl hunter.
[I was a waterfowl hunter, and I still consider myself one.]/[I am a waterfowl hunter.]
I [was/used to be] a waterfowl hunter, but I no longer consider myself one.
Recreation specialization
Psychological specialization (attraction, self-expression, centrality, social)
Cognitive specialization (knowledge)
Behavioral specialization (financial, volitional control, resistance to change, number of MN waterfowl seasons)
Study Conclusions
As individuals increase in identification, they report increased psychological, behavioral, & cognitive specialization. Identity and specialization may also wane, but certain measures of specialization—social and knowledge-based commitment, & control over participation—remain strong after hunters relinquish their identity.
77% of current hunters & 61% of lapsed hunters currently or formerly identified with the activity, suggesting “identification” is typical. Participation in waterfowl-hunting requires special knowledge & equipment that may limit casual participation.
Despite the high level of identification, progression to an authentic level of participation is far from inevitable. Increased proportions of non-identified & apprentice hunters in the lapsed hunter sample suggest that these hunters foundered in their progression to identified waterfowl hunter.
Study Implications
Need to better understand apprentice hunters who may face increased constraints, or conflicting identities, & may lapse before achieving a waterfowl-hunting identity.
Could examine differences in motivations, constraints, & constraint negotiation among hunters with different levels of identification.
Need to better understand the substantial proportion of waterfowl hunters who participate for many years but do not identify with the activity.
*** p < 0.001