1. Participation and Attitudes About Hunting Public Opinion Surveys (Duda, 2001) Sally Williams Consumer Research Planner Marketing Services Branch December 2002

2. Research Sources General Population Survey Telephone survey of Texas residents age 18 and above: 2,002 respondents Data were weighted by the seven travel and tourism regions to represent the relative populations of these regions. Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey Telephone survey of Texas residents age 18 and above: 801 respondents 113 outdoor recreationists who hunt Survey targeted general population of those who participated in outdoor recreation as well as those who did not participate, but expressed an interest in participating in outdoor recreation activities.

3. Research Sources Hunter Survey Telephone survey of licensed resident hunters who had purchased a hunting license for the 1999/2000 hunting season: 809 respondents Super Combo, Combo, Resident Hunting, and Special Resident Hunting license holders were interviewed. Data were weighted by type of hunting license to represent the relative populations of these license types.

4. Research Sources Landowner Survey Telephone survey of Texas landowners who owned 640 or more acres: 563 respondents Landowners were identified using county property tax records. Surveys were conducted in all seven travel regions in the counties that agreed to participate in supplying sample.

5. Overview Demographics of Hunters Participation in Hunting Satisfaction with Hunting Knowledge and Satisfaction with TPWD TPWD Regulations TPWD Game Wardens Interest in Information TPWD Funding Landowners and Hunting Attitudes and Interest in Hunting Among Non-Hunters General Population’s Attitudes Toward Hunting Conclusions and Implications

6. Demographics of Hunters

7. Hunters have lived in Texas for many years. One-half of hunters have lived for at least 40 years in Texas. Median Number of Years * Source: Duda, 2001 * The median is the midpoint of the distribution. Half the number are below the median; half are above it.

8. About a third of hunters live in large city or suburban areas. One third of hunters live in small cities and one third in rural or farm areas. Source: Duda, 2001 Comparable US Census data not available for Texas for this question. Location of residence

9. Location of Residence of 2001 Hunting License Holders About 70% of hunters live in Metropolitan Statistical Areas, whereas 85% of the general population of Texas lives in these urban areas. Sources: TPWD License Point of Sale data, 2001 License Year for license types: Super Combo, Combination Hunting/Fishing, and Resident Hunting licenses; 2000 US Census Count, TAMU, State Data Center. 85%70%Urban areas within MSA’s 26%23%Other MSA’s 15%30%Rural areas outside MSA’s 6% Austin-San Marcos 8%7%San Antonio 8%6%Fort Worth-Arlington 17%12%Dallas 20%16%Houston % of Texas population % of HuntersMetropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

10. Hunters’ level of education is slightly higher than that of the general population. Hunters are more likely than the general population of Texas to have a college degree. Boaters and anglers are the most likely of all groups to have undergraduate or graduate degrees. Source: Duda, 2001, and US Census, 2000.

11. Hunters have substantially higher incomes than the general population. 11% of the general population of Texas have incomes of $100,000 or more whereas 18% of hunters report that level of income. Source: Duda, 2001, and US Census, 2000.

12. Resident Hunting License holders are younger than Combo and Super Combo holders. 40 Texas Population, US Census (adults) 41 Total Adult Resident Hunting Licenses (age 17 and above) ** 37Resident Hunting 41Super Combo 42Combo Median age *License Type Source: TPWD License Point of Sale data, 2001, and US Census, 2000. * The median is the midpoint of the distribution. Half the ages are below the median; half are above it. ** Includes adult-only hunting license types: Combo, Super Combo, Resident Hunting, Senior Combo, and Senior Super Combo.

13. The majority of hunters are non-Hispanic and white. 3%7%Other 11%1%African-American 32%7%Hispanic 53%85%White/Non-Hispanic Texas Population, US Census Hunters Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001, and US Census, 2000.

14. Hunters are overwhelmingly male. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001, and US Census, 2000. 51%7%Female 49%93%Male Texas Population, US Census Hunters

15. Participation in Hunting

16. Hunting is one of the least participated in outdoor recreation activities among the general population of Texas. Sources: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 Participated at least once in the last 12 months Picnicking45% Visit Historical Sites41% Swimming in Natural Waters (lakes, streams, gulf, bay)39% Fishing38% Trips or outings to view wildlife34% Visit a State Park33% Motorboating (excluding jet skis)30% Camping27% Biking20% Hunting16% Jetskiing12% Canoeing or kayaking6%

17. The number of Texas hunters has increased over the past 10 years, but not enough to keep pace with the population growth. Sources: USFWS, National Survey on Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 1991, 1996, 2001 (hunters age 16 and above) and US Census, 1990 and 2000. Participated at least once during the year Texas Participation 16+ (in millions)200119961991 % change 1991-2001 Hunting1.200.911.0613% Texas Population age 16+ (in millions)20001990 % change 1990- 2000 US Census15.612.723%

18. The majority of outdoor recreationists who hunt view it as a primary outdoor recreation activity. The survey asked outdoor recreation participants for the top two activities they participate in. Outdoor recreationists participating in the activity Percent of participants who consider the activity one of their top 2 Fishing66% Hunting56% Camping37% Motorboating (excluding jet skis)30% Jetskiing17% Visit State Park15% Swimming in Natural Waters (lakes, streams, gulf, bay)13% Visit Historical Sites10% Trips or outings to view wildlife9% Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

19. White-tailed deer and dove are the most popular species with Texas hunters. White-tailed deer77% Mourning dove/White-winged dove 38% Quail11% Feral hog9% Ducks7% Mule deer5% Rio Grande turkey5% Top 2 species hunted in the last 2 years Squirrel4% Eastern turkey3% Pheasant2% Geese2% Rabbit/hare1% Other2% Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

20. Median Number of Days Participated in Last 12 Months Hunters are some of the most avid participants. Hunters participate with similar frequency to anglers, less often than boaters, and more often than state park visitors. Source: Duda, 2001Details in Appendix.

21. Median Number of Days Participated in Last 12 Months Rio Grande turkey and squirrel hunters participated the most frequently. Source: Duda, 2001 Species in the top two species hunted in the last 2 years. Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.

22. Participated every year in last five years Over three-quarters of hunters participate in hunting every year. Anglers and boaters are the most consistent participants Source: Duda, 2001Details in Appendix.

23. Participated every year in last five years Mule deer and Rio Grande turkey hunters are the most consistent hunters. Source: Duda, 2001 Species in the top two species hunted in the last 2 years. Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.

24. Most hunters take both day and overnight hunting trips. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

25. Overnight Trips: Hunters travel farther for overnight trips. Over 60% of hunters traveled more than 2 hours one-way for their overnight trips. Freshwater anglers were more likely to stay close to home, with almost half traveling less than two hours. Source: Duda, 2001Details in Appendix. Distance traveled one-way for overnight trips

26. Mule deer and quail hunters travel the farthest distance for their overnight hunting trips. Source: Duda, 2001 Distance traveled one-way for overnight trips SquirrelWhite- tailed deer DoveDuckRio Grande turkey Feral hog QuailMule deer Less than 2 hours 55%39% 36%33%28%26%24% 2 or more hours 45%61% 64%67%72%74%76% Species in the top two species hunted in the last 2 years. Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.

27. Day trips: Over three-quarters of hunters travel less than 2 hours one-way for day trips. This is similar to saltwater and freshwater anglers. Source: Duda, 2001Details in Appendix. Distance traveled one-way for day trips

28. Mule deer hunters travel the farthest for their day trips. Source: Duda, 2001 SquirrelDuckDoveRio Grande turkey White- tailed deer Feral hog QuailMule deer Less than 1 hour 50%47%46%41%40%38%34%16% 1 or more hours 50%53%54%59%60%62%66%84% Distance traveled one-way for day trips Species in the top two species hunted in the last 2 years. Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.

29. “For the sport of it” and “to be with friends and family” are the primary reasons for hunting. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001 For the sport and recreation31% To be with friends and family27% For meat17% For relaxation12% To be close to nature8% For conservation/control of wildlife populations 3% Primary Reasons For Hunting

30. Most Texas hunters do not hunt outside of the state of Texas. Only one-quarter had hunted in another state. Few had hunted on WMAs or TPWD dove leases. Hunted in a state other than Texas24% Hunted on a TPWD Wildlife Management Area 12% Hunted on lands leased by TPWD (dove leases) 9% Hunted in another country3% Participated in activity in the past 2 years Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

31. Hunting primarily takes place on private land. Question text: When hunting in Texas during the past 2 years, would you say you mostly hunted on public land, private land, or both about the same? Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001 Location of hunting in last 2 years

32. Regardless of the type of species hunted, most hunters hunted primarily on private land. Duck hunters were the most likely to hunt on public land. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001 Location of hunting in last 2 years Mule deer QuailRio Grande turkey DoveWhite- tailed deer Feral hog SquirrelDuck Private land 97%93%90%89%88%86%75%67% Both private and public 3%7% 8% 10%18% Public land 0%1%2%3%4% 7%15% Species in the top two species hunted in the last 2 years. Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.

33. Modern weapons are most popular among hunters. A third of hunters hunted with dogs during the last 2 years. Bow and arrow, muzzleloader, and black powder firearm were used by a minority of hunters. Hunted with a modern rifle88% Hunted with a modern shotgun74% Hunted with dogs30% Hunted with a bow and arrow17% Hunted with a muzzleloader or black powder firearm 8% Participated in activity in the past 2 years Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

34. Satisfaction With Hunting

35. Hunters are satisfied with their hunting experiences. 60% of hunters are very satisfied, but significantly less than park visitors. Source: Duda, 2001 Satisfaction with outdoor recreation experiences

36. Duck and quail hunters are less satisfied with their hunting than other hunters. Squirrel60% Rio Grande turkey60% Feral hog56% White-tailed deer55% Mule deer50% Mourning or white-winged dove 48% Duck35% Quail22% Very satisfied with hunting for the species Note: Some species not reported due to small sample sizes.Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

37. Half of hunters reported improvement in the quality of hunting in the last 5 years. Less than 20% of hunters have experienced a decline in quality. More hunters reported improvement than did overnight park visitors, freshwater anglers, or boaters. Source: Duda, 2001 Quality of hunting in the last 5 years

38. Hunters report the lowest levels of user conflicts of all groups. Whereas over one-half of boaters reported interference from others that diminished their enjoyment of boating, hunters experienced little conflict while hunting. Source: Duda, 2001 Percent reporting user conflicts

39. Hunters who hunt primarily on private land report less user conflict than those who hunt on public land. Source: Duda, 2001 Percent reporting user conflicts User Conflicts Hunt primarily on public land 20% Hunt on public and private land 18% Hunt primarily on private land 11%

40. Hunting faces significant competition for the discretionary time of participants. Of hunters who do not hunt as often as they would like, time is the most significant factor. Access, costs, and weather are secondary factors for hunters. * Note: percentages do not add to 100% due to multiple responses per respondent Limits to Participation Percentages based on hunters who experienced limitations. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

41. Of hunters who are limited by time, almost all cite work as the specific reason. Work91% Family obligations13% Education/school-related obligations5% Buying a license1% Buying equipment1% Time limitations Percentages based on hunters who specified time limitations to participation. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001* Note: percentages do not add to 100% due to multiple responses per respondent

42. Of those who are limited by cost, lease cost is the most commonly cited reason. Leases too expensive76% Licenses too expensive15% Generally too expensive (unspecified) 13% Equipment too expensive8% Other2% Cost limitations Percentages based hunters who specified cost limitations to participation. Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001* Note: percentages do not add to 100% due to multiple responses per respondent

43. Knowledge & Satisfaction with TPWD

44. Two-thirds of hunters know a great deal or moderate amount about TPWD’s activities. 25% know a great deal about the agency’s activities compared to only 9% of the general population. All TPWD constituent groups report good levels of knowledge of TPWD. Source: Duda, 2001 Knowledge about TPWD’s activities This question asked for respondents’ perception of their knowledge. It did not ask for specific information to test their knowledge.

45. Hunters are satisfied with TPWD as a government agency. Over half of hunters are very satisfied. Very few are dissatisfied. Source: Duda, 2001 Satisfaction with TPWD

46. Three-quarters of hunters rate TPWD high on providing opportunities to hunt. This is similar to the ratings of anglers and boaters of their recreation opportunities. Source: Duda, 2001 Rating of TPWD’s efforts to provide recreation opportunities

47. Hunters give TPWD high marks for incorporating the wants and needs of hunters into outdoor activities. About 80% of hunters rate TPWD’s efforts as excellent or good. Source: Duda, 2001 Rating of efforts to incorporate recreationists’ wants and needs into management of outdoor activities

48. Hunters feel that educating non-hunters about hunting is the top activity TPWD should do. Other important activities involve habitat, access, and information about hunting as well as education and law enforcement. Educating non-hunters about hunting53% Acquiring more state-owned lands41% Improving habitats on public land41% Encouraging private land-owners to open land for hunting38% Providing information on hunting opportunities36% Hunter ethics and responsibility35% Improving and increasing access to public hunting areas35% Improving habitats on private land31% Hunter education26% Enforcing hunting laws and regulations26% Improving and increasing access to private hunting areas26% Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001 Hunting-related activities TPWD should provide much more effort to do

49. Few hunters felt that activities focused on specific species or weapons required more effort from TPWD. Upland game bird hunting22% White-tailed deer hunting22% Game-related research20% Hunting with a modern rifle18% Hunting with a bow and arrow15% Mule deer hunting13% Small game hunting11% Hunting with a muzzleloader or black powder firearm11% Pronghorn antelope hunting10% Waterfowl hunting10% Hunting exotic game animals9% Hunting with a crossbow9% Hunting-related activities TPWD should provide much more effort to do Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

50. Hunters want more TPWD effort placed on law enforcement and encouraging landowners to open access for recreation than anglers do. Saltwater anglers want more effort on research than hunters or freshwater anglers. Source: Duda, 2001 TPWD ActivityHuntersFreshwater anglers Saltwater anglers Encouraging landowners to open access 38%30%-- Providing public access35%37%33% Enforcing laws and regulations26%14%20% Doing research20%24%32% Activities TPWD should provide much more effort to do

51. TPWD Regulations

52. Hunters are satisfied with current hunting regulations. About half of hunters are very satisfied. Saltwater anglers are the least satisfied group, with 20% being dissatisfied with regulations. Source: Duda, 2001 Satisfaction with hunting/fishing/boating regulations

53. The majority of hunters agree that regulations are clear and easy to understand. Only 10% of hunters disagree. Source: Duda, 2001 Agreement that regulations are clear and easy to understand

54. TPWD Game Wardens

55. Hunters are less likely than other groups to have personal contact with Game Wardens. Due to the clandestine nature of Game Wardens’ work with hunters, many hunters may not realize that a Game Warden is present. Source: Duda, 2001 Contact with a Game Warden in last 5 years

56. Over a third of hunters have not seen a Game Warden patrolling and providing services. Boaters saw the most Game Wardens during the last 12 months. Source: Duda, 2001 Number of times seen Game Wardens patrolling in last 12 months HuntersFreshwater anglers Saltwater anglers Boaters 039%31%20%22% 115%10%14%11% 2-325%23%27%23% 4-58%11% 13% 6-107%11%14%12% 11 or more6%14% 19% Median1.02.0 3.0

57. Most hunters believe that Game Wardens are effective at controlling illegal activity. Landowners show the strongest agreement with this statement. Hunters and anglers are more likely to somewhat agree with Game Wardens’ effectiveness than land owners were. Source: Duda, 2001 Rating of Game Warden effectiveness at controlling illegal activity

58. Hunters agree that Game Wardens are professional and courteous. This agreement is shared by all TPWD constituent groups surveyed. Source: Duda, 2001 Rating of Game Wardens as being professional and courteous

59. Interest in Information

60. Hunters are the most interested in receiving information about outdoor recreation. 70% of hunters express interest, compared to 56% of freshwater anglers. Source: Duda, 2001 Interest in receiving information about outdoor recreation

61. Hunters suggest mail as the most popular method of receiving information. The Internet and magazines are also suggested by some hunters. Method by which information is desired to be received HuntersFreshwater anglers Saltwater anglers BoatersState Park Visitors General Population Information sent through the mail 52%51%48%71%51% Internet18%20%15%20%28%24% Magazines (other than TPWD magazine) 15%17%27%8% 7% Television13%11%9%4%3%12% Pamphlets/Brochures10%0% 12%14% Newspapers7% 13%5%3%7% TPWD Magazine5%12%5%3%6%4% TPWD Outdoor Annual4%3%4%3%1% Source: Duda, 2001 * Note: Percentages do not add to 100% due to multiple responses per respondent. Question was open-ended.

62. Information about where to hunt and hunting access are of most interest to hunters. Where to hunt90% Hunting access88% Public hunting areas86% Hunting regulations82% Game management81% Private hunting areas80% Getting involved in wildlife conservation 74% Note: Respondents supplied their own answers Hunting/gun safety72% Wildlife biology65% Ethical conduct and sportsmanship 64% Use of hunting equipment62% Big Time Texas Hunts58% How to hunt57% Types of information desired by hunters Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

63. The majority of hunters have seen hunting-related magazines and TV shows in the last 2 years. Fewer have taken hunter ed or gone to a hunting club meeting, however. Watched a hunting show on television 88% Read a hunting magazine83% Took a hunter safety education course in Texas 22% Gone to a hunting club meeting 15% Performed activity in the last 2 years Source: Duda, Hunter Survey, 2001

64. TPWD Funding

65. Hunters are divided in their support for an increase in license fees to increase funding for TPWD. Almost one-third of all anglers and hunters strongly oppose an increase in activity fees. Source: Duda, 2001 Support for increasing license fees

66. Combo license holders are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases. Source: Duda, 2001 Type of licenseStrongly oppose Combo44% Super Combo30% Special Resident Hunting29% Resident Hunting26% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

67. Hunters living in rural areas and large cities are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases. Source: Duda, 2001 ResidenceStrongly oppose Rural area37% Large city or urban area36% Small city or town31% Farm or ranch30% Suburban area18% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

68. Hunters with incomes under $100,000 are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases. Source: Duda, 2001 Household IncomeStrongly oppose Less than $20,00037% $20,000 to $39,99933% $40,000 to $59,99932% $60,000 to $99,99930% $100,000 or more20% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

69. Hunters age 55 and above are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases.  For the 65 and older group, this seems to be driven by their lower income compared to other hunters. Over half make less than $40,000 per year. Only 8% make $100,000 or more per year.  For the 55-64 year group, some of their opposition is driven by the relatively high percentage (40%) who are Combo license holders. Source: Duda, 2001 AgeStrongly oppose 18 – 2428% 25 – 3416% 35 – 4435% 45 – 5429% 55 – 6448% 65 and above37% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

70. Hunters who did not attend college are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases.  This finding is driven by the relatively low income of those who did not attend college. Only 7% of them have incomes of $100,000 or more compared to 24% of those who attended college. Source: Duda, 2001 Education levelStrongly oppose Grades 1-12, no diploma36% High school graduate38% Some college or trade school27% College graduate28% Graduate or professional degree25% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

71. Hunters who live in the Piney Woods are more likely to strongly oppose license fee increases.  This is driven in part by the lower income of the Piney Woods hunters compared to hunters in other parts of Texas. Piney Woods hunters are also more likely to be Combo license holders. Source: Duda, 2001 RegionStrongly oppose Piney Woods46% Panhandle Plains34% Big Bend30% Gulf Coast30% South Texas Plains30% Prairies and Lakes30% Hill Country28% Percentage strongly opposing fee increases

72. Large Landowners and Hunting

73. Many Texas landowners are interested in hunting as a revenue source. 53% of landowners are interested in generating revenue on their land from hunting. 46% of landowners say they would be likely to open land for hunting if given significant cash benefits such as tax breaks or cash payments. Source: Duda, Landowner Survey, 2001

74. 78% of large landowners currently allow hunting on their lands by lease or family and friends. Landowners allowing hunting on their land Source: Duda, Landowner Survey, 2001

75. Landowners in the Hill Country are the most likely to allow hunting on their property by permission or lease. Source: Duda, 2001 RegionPermission or lease Family & friends Allowed in the past but stopped Never allowed hunting Hill Country71%21%4% Prairies & Lakes37%46%6%11% South Texas Plains34%55%7%4% Gulf Coast33%39%6%22% Big Bend31%38%10%21% Panhandle Plains24%42%10%24% Piney Woods18%64%2%16%

76. Poor behavior of hunters and concern for wildlife and livestock are top reasons landowners ceased allowing hunting on their lands. Poor behavior of hunters14% Livestock quality/concern for wildlife14% Damage to property11% Damage to livestock8% No lease/permit8% Loss of privacy8% Drought6% Legal liability6% Question was open-ended.Source: Duda, Landowner Survey, 2001

77. The majority of landowners expressed major concern about allowing hunting on their land due to legal concerns. Expressed legal concerns about hunting on their land Source: Duda, Landowner Survey, 2001

78. Over three-quarters of landowners are not aware that Texas provides liability protection to landowners for allowing outdoor recreation use on their property. Aware or unaware of liability protection Source: Duda, Landowner Survey, 2001

79. Attitudes and Interest in Hunting Among Non-Hunters

80. “Non-hunters” are respondents to the Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey who did not hunt during the last 12 months. The Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey allows for an analysis of non-hunters’ interest in hunting and reasons for not participating. Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

81. Interest in participating in hunting is low among non-hunters. 80% of non-hunters were not at all interested in hunting. Interest in hunting among non-hunters Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

82. Over 1 million adult Texans who do not hunt are very interested in participating in hunting. Outdoor Recreation Activity Percent of all non- participants very interested in activity Projected number of adult Texans very interested in activity Visit State Park37%3,709,839 Visit Historical Sites28%2,472,228 Trips or outings to view wildlife24%2,370,466 Camping21%2,294,144 Fishing20%1,855,668 Motorboating (excluding jet skis)20%2,095,109 Jetskiing12%1,580,310 Swimming in Natural Waters (lakes, streams, gulf, bay)12%1,015,442 Hunting9%1,131,359 Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001; US Census 2000 Total Texas adult population: 14,965,061 For example: 9% of those who do not hunt are very interesting in doing so. Since 84% of Texans do not hunt, this constitutes a substantial number of interested non-hunters available to convert to hunting.

83. Lack of time and health/age were the main reasons interested non-hunters did not go hunting. Lack of knowledge and skill were not common restraints among non-hunters. Not enough time - work obligations32% Not enough time - family obligations18% Health/age18% Not enough opportunities9% Costs9% Don't know where to go9% Other hobbies5% No one to go with5% Poor behavior of others2% Lack skills2% Opportunities too far away0% Too crowded0% Question was open-ended. Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

84. Among non-hunters, target shooters and anglers were more likely to be very interested in hunting than those who did not shoot or fish. Participants in other recreation activities were no more likely to be very interested in hunting ParticipantsNon-Participants Target shooting34%7% Fishing15%6% Boating10%8% Camping10%8% Bold numbers indicate a statistically significant difference. Percent very interested in hunting Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 For example, of those who participate in target shooting, 34% are very interested in hunting. By contrast, only 7% of those who do not target shoot are interested in hunting.

85. Men were more likely to be very interested non-hunters. Interest among women was low at 5%. Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 Percent very interested in hunting

86. Hispanics and African-Americans are more likely to be very interested non-hunters. These groups are under-represented among current hunters. Percent very interested in hunting Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

87. Young people are more likely to be very interested non-hunters. The greatest interest is among people 18-24 at 23%. Interest decreases to 5% or less among those 45 and older. Interest in huntingProportion of adult population Percent very interested Percent not at all interestedMalesFemales Age 18-2423%59%16%14% Age 25-3411%77%22%20% Age 35-4410%75%23%22% Age 45-545%88%18%17% Age 55-642%90%11% Age 65+4%86%12%16% Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001; US Census 2000.

88. Most interested non-hunters believe the State of Texas does an excellent or good job at providing hunting opportunities. These ratings are very similar to those interested non-participants give to opportunities for fishing, camping, and visiting state parks and historic sites. Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

89. General Population’s Attitudes Toward Hunting

90. Hunting-related issues are not top-of-mind outdoor recreation concerns among the general Texas population. Over 40% did not suggest any outdoor recreation issues as concerns. Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001 Don’t know42% Poor/lack of park facilities11% Boating related issues10% Fishing related issues8% Not enough access for outdoor recreation opportunities 7% Not enough parks7% Hunting related issues5% Outdoor recreation issues of concern to Texans Question was open-ended.

91. The opportunity to hunt was viewed by the general population as the least important of 12 outdoor recreation and natural resource values. Water resources are safe and well protected 93% Wildlife exists in Texas80% Natural areas exist for enjoying and experiencing nature 79% Historic sites are protected and preserved 77% Opportunity to view wildlife74% Fish and wildlife are properly managed and conserved 73% Opportunity to visit state parks72% Ecologically important habitats and lands are protected and preserved 69% Opportunity to fish69% Opportunity to visit historically significant sites 66% Opportunity to boat62% Opportunity to hunt45% Rated Very Important Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001

92. Texans in the general population view some hunting-related activities as top priorities for TPWD. When rating the importance of 22 TPWD activities, they put two hunting-related activities in the top 3 list. Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001

93. Texans view the enforcement of fishing, hunting, and boating laws and hunter safety education as top priorities for TPWD. 1. Upkeep at State Parks84% 2. Enforcement of fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations 81% 3. Hunter safety education79% 4. Enforcing laws that protect habitat79% 5. Boating safety education77% Top TPWD Activities Texans Rated as Very Important Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001

94. Providing hunting opportunities was considered a relatively unimportant activity for TPWD. This activity was rated #21 of the 22 activities listed. Only recreational shooting opportunities rated lower. 11. Wildlife viewing opportunities60% 15. Fishing opportunities55% 20. Boating opportunities45% 21. Providing hunting opportunities37% 22. Providing recreational shooting opportunities 27% Outdoor Recreation Opportunity Activities Texans Rated as Very Important Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001

95. Opposition to Hunting

96. Over 20% of Texans disapprove of legal hunting. Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 Approve of legal hunting Approve of legal fishing Approve of legal trapping Strongly approve46%68%13% Somewhat approve26%25%16% Neither approve nor disapprove 5%2%3% Somewhat disapprove8%2%13% Strongly disapprove14%2%54%

97. Texans who oppose legal hunting differ from those who approve of it by: Demographics Participation in outdoor recreation activities Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001

98. Texans who oppose legal hunting are less likely to live in: A rural area A farm or ranch Texans who oppose legal hunting Texans who approve of legal hunting Rural area7%13% Farm or ranch2%7% Place of residence by Texans’ opposition or approval to legal hunting Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 For example, 13% of those who approve of legal hunting life in a rural area. However, only 7% of those who oppose legal hunting do.

99. Texans who oppose legal hunting are more likely to be: Female Hispanic African-American Younger Texans who oppose legal hunting Texans who approve of legal hunting Female71%53% Hispanic24%16% African-American16%8% Average age4244 Ethnicity, gender, and average age by Texans’ opposition or approval to legal hunting Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 For example, 71% of those who oppose legal hunting are female. However, only 53% of those who approve of legal hunting are.

100. Texans who oppose legal hunting are less likely to participate in: Fishing Sport shooting Wildlife viewing around the home Texans who oppose legal hunting Texans who approve of legal hunting Fishing26%43% Sport shooting3%18% Wildlife viewing around the home 51%60% Participation in outdoor recreation by Texans’ opposition or approval to legal hunting Source: Duda, Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, 2001 For example, 43% of those who approve of legal hunting fish. However, only 26% of those who oppose legal hunting fish.

101. Conclusions and Implications

102. Generating general support for hunting among the Texas population is an important challenge. Hunting is among the least common outdoor recreation activities. The number of hunters in Texas is growing again but is not keeping pace with population growth. 9% of non-hunters are very interested in hunting. This projects to over a million very interested potential hunters that TPWD has the opportunity to reach. 22% of the general population disapproves of legal hunting. Educating non-hunters about hunting is hunters’ #1 priority for TPWD with over half believing TPWD should provide much more effort toward this activity.

103. Message to increase Texans’ support for hunting: Connect hunting to the management and conservation of natural resources – water, wildlife, and habitat 93% of Texans believe it is very important that water resources are safe and well protected 74% of Texans believe it is very important that fish and wildlife are properly managed and conserved. 69% of Texans believe it is very important that important habitats and lands are protected and preserved. Conservation of natural resources has broad support from Texans across ethnic, gender, and urban/rural lines. Texans need to understand the critical role that hunting plays in conserving these animals and lands.

104. Conditions necessary for Texans’ acceptance of hunting: TPWD should continue to diligently pursue law enforcement and hunter safety education activities to ensure responsible hunting. These hunting-related activities are in the top 3 overall important activities to the general population. Texans are concerned with minimizing the risks from hunting: that hunters not break laws that protect wildlife and not endanger the lives of themselves or others while hunting.

105. TPWD needs to reach out to recruit those who do not match the typical hunter profile. Current typical hunter White male, mid-40’s, higher than average income, living in a small town or large city Non-hunters more likely to be very interested in hunting Target shooters and anglers Men Hispanics and African-Americans Young people, especially below the age of 34

106. Emphasize motivating factors for hunters: The sport of hunting and being with friends and family. Make hunting a family activity Time constraints commonly limit hunters’ participation in their activity. Time constraints, including work and family responsibilities, are also common reasons that very interested non-hunters did not go hunting. Women are consistently less interested in hunting than men, but could be attracted to an outdoor family experience in which hunting plays a role.

107. Increasing TPWD revenue by increasing hunting license fees is likely to meet with substantial opposition. Half of hunters moderately or strongly oppose license fee increases. Costs, and the related issue of access, are limiting factors for many hunters. Lease costs are particularly a problem for some hunters. Converting the 23% of hunters who do not hunt every year into regular license purchasers could increase TPWD revenue.

108. Increasing access to private lands is important to the future of hunting. The vast majority of hunters hunt primarily on private lands. Encouraging private landowners to open land for hunting is the #4 TPWD priority for hunters. About half of landowners are interested in generating money or tax breaks by allowing hunting on their lands. Landowners are very concerned about the legal consequences of allowing hunting on their land, but for the most part are unaware of the liability protection offered by the state. Educating landowners about landowner liability facts is key to opening up these currently unused lands for hunting.

109. Hunters give TPWD and Game Wardens high ratings. Most hunters are satisfied with their hunting experiences, though duck and quail hunters are less satisfied. Most hunters are satisfied with TPWD as a government agency. Hunters and landowners agree that Game Wardens are effective in controlling illegal activity.

110. Top activities hunters say TPWD should spend much more effort on: Educating non-hunters about hunting Improving habitats on public land Acquiring more state-owned land Encouraging private landowners to open land for hunting Providing information on hunting opportunities Promoting hunter ethics and responsibility Improving and increasing access to public hunting areas

111. Appendix

112. Number of Days Participating in Outdoor Recreation Activities – TPWD Customers Source: Duda, 2001

113. Distance Traveled One-Way to Participate in Outdoor Recreation – Day Trips Source: Duda, 2001

114. Distance Traveled One-Way to Participate in Outdoor Recreation – Overnight Trips Source: Duda, 2001

115. Outdoor Recreation Participation in the Last 5 Years Source: Duda, 2001

116. How many years have you lived in Texas? Source: Duda, 2001

117. Age of TPWD Customers The 25-34 age group is under-represented among hunters. The 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are over-represented. Source: Duda, 2001, and US Census, 2000.

118. The importance of conserving fish and wildlife and preserving habitats Source: Duda, General Population Survey, 2001. Percentage rating the activity very important Fish and wildlife are properly managed and conserved Habitats are protected and preserved Urban/suburban residents73%72% Rural residents77%67% White/Non-Hispanics77%71% Hispanics75%70% African Americans76%65% Males79%72% Females73%69%