2017-2018 Illinois Recruitment, Retention, and Reengagement Report

A random, stratified sample of 6,102 current and past hunters were selected among Illinois hunting license purchasers across six license years (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016) and three age categories (18 – 34 years, 35 – 54 years, 55+ years). Selected individuals were mailed an 8-page self-administered questionnaire designed to study hunter recruitment, retention and reengagement. We received 1,367 usable questionnaires for an overall response rate of 25%. Half of respondents (50%) indicated they purchased an Illinois hunting license during the 2017-18 seasons and 87% of license purchasers reported hunting 1 day or more during the 2017-18 seasons. Over three-quarters of respondents (77%) indicated that they intend to hunt in Illinois in the future, though only 32% of respondents indicated that they hunt every year in Illinois. Most respondents (73%) were satisfied with their overall hunting experience during the 2017-18 hunting seasons in Illinois. The main reasons for hunting were: to enjoy nature, be outdoors, and experience natural surroundings. Over half of respondents (58%) indicated that their hunting effort had decreased over the past 5 years. The main reasons that keep respondents from hunting were: work/family commitments, access to hunting opportunities close to home, and household chores. Fewer than one-third (31%) of respondents indicated that they have taken someone hunting for their first time during the last 5 years. The main reasons for not taking hunters on their first hunt were: all their friends already hunt, none of their friends are interested, and lack of time to teach a new hunter.