2015-2016 Illinois Hunter Harvest Report

Brent D. Williams, Ryan J. Conat, Laura A. Schweizer, Linda K. Campbell, Craig A. Miller

Research output: Book/Report/Conference proceedingTechnical report

Abstract

A random sample of 3,000 hunters was selected from 2015 Illinois resident Habitat Stamp and hunting license holders and mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to query hunters about their hunting activities and harvest in Illinois. We received 1,447 questionnaires, 1,319 of which were usable, for a 47% response rate. Illinois resident license sales decreased 2.4% from 2014 (278,546) to the 2015 seasons (271,939). Total days afield decreased for 11game species (rabbit, dove, crow, groundhog, fox and gray squirrel, turkey, coyote, opossum, red and gray fox) from 2014-15, but increased for 3 species (woodcock, deer, and raccoon). Harvest decreased for 10 game species (rabbit, dove, crow, groundhog raccoon, fox and gray squirrel, red fox, coyote, and opossum) from 2014-2015, but increased for 4 species (woodcock, turkey, deer, and gray fox). Harvest could not be compared for two game species (wild quail and wild pheasant). Efforts to distinguish between harvested wild birds and birds harvested on shooting preserves began in 2012, but suitable data points to develop adjustment factors have not been obtained. Hunters were also asked about hunting information, harvest reporting, youth turkey season preferences, deer bag limits and seasons, the effects of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) on deer hunting, as well as their attitudes toward wildlife and hunting in Illinoi
Original languageEnglish (US)
PublisherIllinois Natural History Survey
StatePublished - Dec 2 2016

Publication series

NameINHS Technical Report 2016 (59)
No.59

Keywords

  • INHS

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