2005 National Duck Hunter Survey

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 National Report

National Flyway Council and Wildlife Management Institute

February 3, 2006

Don Childress, Chair National Flyway Council P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59601

Steve Williams, President Wildlife Management Institute 1146 19th Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036

www.ducksurvey.com

Cover photo credits: drake redhead—Bruce Taubert; young hunter and yellow lab—Dave Case; drake mallard—Shutterstock/Jimmy Dixon

Foreward Waterfowl hunters constitute a relatively small proportion of all hunters in the United States. Yet this group provides a large and positive energy to conservation initiatives. Hunting lore, conservation history, and contemporary financial contributions of waterfowl hunters loom large. Too, political influence wielded by waterfowl hunters to broaden public support for conservation is especially noteworthy (e.g., North American Wetlands Conservation Act; conservation provisions of the Farm Bill; broadened conservation funding in Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia and other states; individual contributions of businesses and philanthropists to wetland conservation). Above all, waterfowl hunters have, over time, proven their heart—that is, their best intentions—for advancing conservation and promoting the contribution of hunting to America’s quality of life. Waterfowl hunters, and their beliefs, are important. The National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 reflects that importance. Although there have been numerous local, state and national level human dimensions inquiries, this survey is the first to ask a representative sample of duck hunters in every state their opinions on duck hunting and conservation. It was especially encouraging that more than 10,000 duck hunters returned their surveys, many with comments and some with notes of appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the study. The “National Report” that follows includes hundreds of pages of analyses of responses to 32 questions from hunters in 49 states. However, these results, as interesting and insightful as they are, represent just the beginning. Now, begins the process of review and discussion among duck hunters, Flyway Councils, state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, conservation organizations, duck clubs, and the outdoor media about what the results mean and how they might be used to inform future decisions regarding waterfowl hunting and management. Additional information on the National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 is available at www.ducksurvey.com. As further analyses are conducted they will be posted there, along with any corrections. Special recognition is due the Councils and Technical Committees of the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways. This survey would not have been possible without their commitments of funds, expertise and energy. Finally, members of the Strategy Team and the NFC Survey Committee (Appendix A) steered development and implementation of this survey under extremely tight deadlines. Waterfowl hunters and managers alike owe them a hearty thank you.

Don Childress Chair, National Flyway Council Administrator, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Steve Williams President, Wildlife Management Institute

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005: Executive Summary In Fall 2005, the National Flyway Council and the Wildlife Management Institute conducted a mail survey of duck hunters in 49 U.S. states. A random sample of 29,862 duck hunters was contacted using names drawn from the Harvest Information Program database. Of the 27,555 survey forms delivered, 10,887 were returned (40% response); 10,219 respondents were “active” duck hunters. Key findings revealed: ¾ Nearly three-quarters of respondents said duck hunting was one of their most important (58%), or most important (14%), recreational activities. ¾ Roughly one-third (29%) started hunting ducks before 1970, another third (36%) between 1970 and 1988, and the remaining third (35%) after 1988. Six percent of duck hunters now aged 45 to 64 indicated that they began duck hunting in the relatively recent past (1997-2004). ¾ Almost two-thirds (65%) spent over $250 each year on duck hunting; and onefifth (20%) spent over $1,000 each year. ¾ Forty-three percent of duck hunters spent 10 days or less hunting ducks each year over the last 5 years; 30% spent 11 to 20 days; 17% spent 21 to 30 days; and 10% spent more than 30 days. ¾ A plurality (42%) of duck hunters said they were hunting the same number of days now compared to 5 years ago; 22% said they were hunting “more days,” and 31% said “fewer days.” ¾ Fifty-nine percent said that the duck season length (number of days in the season) in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right,” though another one-third (35%) said the season was “too short,” and 3%, “too long.” ¾ Almost three-quarters (72%) of duck hunters said that the total daily duck bag limit in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right.” Thirteen percent said it was “too low,” and 8%, “too high.” ¾ Duck hunters said that, over the last 5 years, the overall quality of duck hunting in the state they hunted most either had gotten “a little worse” (32%) or “much worse” (25%). Hunters in the Mississippi Flyway were especially prone to characterize a drop in overall quality of duck hunting, with hunters in the Lower Mississippi Flyway saying overall quality had gotten “a little worse” (31%) or “much worse” (51%).

1

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report ¾ On average, duck hunters in the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways said “hunting pressure” and “crowding at hunting areas” had become “somewhat more” of a problem over the last 5 years; Mississippi Flyway hunters said “ducks concentrating on fewer areas,” “crowding at hunting areas,” “hunting pressure,” and “ducks arriving after season close” were “somewhat more” of a problem; on average, Central Flyway hunters did not characterize any of 7 potential problems posed to them as a greater or lesser issue over the last 5 years. ¾ Nationally, hunters indicated that duck hunting quality had become “somewhat worse” relative to “weather patterns for duck hunting,” “length of time ducks were staying in my area,” “number of places to hunt,” “overall duck numbers,” and “when ducks are arriving in my area.” ¾ A majority of hunters achieved the levels of duck harvest that they said equated with their views of satisfactory season harvest. ¾ Thirteen percent of duck hunters indicated that, for the most recent year they hunted ducks, they “always” used a motorized, spinning-wing decoy; 40% used a spinning-wing decoy “sometimes,” and 47%, “never.” ¾ A majority (53%) of duck hunters indicated that they think spinning-wing decoys “should be allowed,” 23% said “not allowed,” and 24% had no opinion. ¾ Duck hunters ascribed “high trust” to “avid/experienced duck hunters” to represent interests of duck hunters like them; among groups ascribed “medium trust” by duck hunters were “conservation groups like DU/Delta,” “waterfowl biologists,” “Flyway Councils,” and “wildlife agencies.” Groups ascribed “low trust” were “commercial/business interests,” “legislators,” and the “general public.” ¾ Twenty percent of duck hunters said they “frequently” access the internet to look up duck hunting information; 49% access the internet “once in a while,” and 31%, “not at all.”

2

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report Table of Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................1 Background and Objective ............................................................................................................6 Methods ........................................................................................................................................6 Results ........................................................................................................................................12 References..................................................................................................................................40 Appendix A: Strategy Team and NFC Survey Committee Members ..........................................41 Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard..................................42 Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables ........................................................47 Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA.......................................................................................52 Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 .................................................................................................65 Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway..................................................................................127 Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway..........................................................................141 Appendix H: Tables of Sampling Tolerance..............................................................................159 List of Figures FIGURE 1. Member states of Flyways and Sub-Flyways, National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ............................................................................................................................9 List of Tables TABLE 1. USA—Response to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005. ....................................10 TABLE 2. Response to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005, by State. ...............................11 TABLE 3. USA—Q1: Waterfowl Pursuits of Duck Hunters (unweighted)............................13 TABLE 4. Sub-Flyway—Q1: Waterfowl pursuits of Duck Hunters Within SubFlyways. ................................................................................................................................13 TABLE 5. Flyway—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting as a Recreational Activity to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 Respondents. ...............................................................13 TABLE 6. USA—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting to NDHS Respondents, by Type (Postal/Web) and Wave (“W” 1 or 2) of Response................................................................14 TABLE 7. USA—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting as a Recreational Activity to Male and Female Respondents (Q31)...........................................................................................14 TABLE 8. Comparison of U.S. Population, Deer Hunters’, and Duck Hunters’ Age Distributions. .........................................................................................................................15 TABLE 9. USA—Q3: When Duck Hunters Started Hunting Ducks, by Current Age (Q32). ....................................................................................................................................15 TABLE 10. USA—Q30: Amount Spent Annually on Duck Hunting, by Age (Q32)...............15 TABLE 11. Flyway—Q4: Usual Duck Harvest per Year Over the Last 5 Years..................16 TABLE 12. Flyway—Q5: Usual Days Hunted Ducks per Year Over the Last 5 Years.....................................................................................................................................16 TABLE 13. USA—Q4: Ducks Harvested and Days Duck Hunted (Q5), Usual per Year Over the Last 5 Years...................................................................................................16 TABLE 14. Flyway—Q6: Respondent Participation in 2004-05 Duck Season. ..................17 TABLE 15. Flyway—Q7: Number of Years in the Last 5 Years Respondents Hunted Ducks. ...................................................................................................................................17 TABLE 16. Sub-Flyway—Q8: Amount of Days per Season Hunting Now Compared to 5 Years Ago. .....................................................................................................................17

3

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report TABLE 17. USA—Q8: Ducks Usually Harvested in a Year (Last 5 Years) (Q4), by Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago. ...........................................................18 TABLE 18. USA—Q8: Days Spent Duck Hunting in a Season (Last 5 Years) by (Q5) Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago....................................................18 TABLE 19. USA—Q8: Age of Respondent (Q32), by Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago. .............................................................................................................19 TABLE 20. USA—Q10: Proportion of Respondents Who Hunted States Other Than Their Mailing Address State. .................................................................................................19 TABLE 21. Flyway—Q11: Satisfaction with total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state hunted most. .............................................................................................20 TABLE 22. Flyway—Q12: Satisfaction with duck season length over the last 5 years in the state hunted most........................................................................................................20 TABLE 23. USA—Q11: Satisfaction (total daily duck bag limit) by satisfaction (duck season length) over last 5 years in state hunted most (Q12)................................................21 TABLE 24. USA—Q12: Satisfaction (duck season length) by satisfaction (total daily duck bag limit) over the last 5 years in the state hunted most (Q11). ...................................21 TABLE 25. Sub-Flyway—Q13: Changes to Overall Quality of Your Duck Hunting Over the Last 5 Years in State Hunted Most.........................................................................22 TABLE 26. USA—Q14a-Q14i: “Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become?” ........................................................................................23 TABLE 27. USA—Q14a-Q14i: “Changes in Hunting Quality” (Ascending means ranked from lesser change (1) to greater change (9))...........................................................23 TABLE 28. Flyway—Q14a-Q14i: “Changes in Hunting Quality” (Ascending means ranked from lesser change (1) to greater change (9), and Word Anchors)...........................24 TABLE 29. USA—Q15a-15g: “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” .......24 TABLE 30. Flyway—Q15a-15g: “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most” (Descending means ranked from lesser problem (1) to greater problem (7), and Word Anchors).........................................................................................................25 TABLE 31. USA—Q16a-Q16f: “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with: ...................................26 TABLE 32. USA—Q16a-Q16f: Comparison of satisfactions for “the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most”…2004-05 (N~=9390) and 2003-04 (N~=775).................................................................................................................27 TABLE 33. USA—Q17: Harvest Necessary in a Day’s Hunt to Feel Satisfied with Harvest..................................................................................................................................28 TABLE 34. Flyway—Q17: Harvest Necessary in a Day’s Hunt to Feel Satisfied with Harvest..................................................................................................................................28 TABLE 35. USA—Q17: Minimum Satisfactory Daily Duck Harvest, by Satisfaction with Total Daily Duck Bag Limit Over the Last 5 Years (Q11)...............................................29 TABLE 36. USA—Q18: Minimum Number of Ducks Needed to Harvest In a Season to Feel Satisfied with “Your” Harvest.....................................................................................29 TABLE 37. USA—Q18: Minimum Number of Ducks for a Satisfactory Season Harvest, by Usual Harvest per Year Over the Last 5 Years (Q4)..........................................30 TABLE 38. USA—Q19a-19d: “How much do you support or oppose each of the following season options?”....................................................................................................31 TABLE 39. USA—Q20: “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?” ................................................................................31

4

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report TABLE 40. Flyway—Q20: “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?” ................................................................................32 TABLE 41. Sub-Flyway—Q20. “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?” .....................................................................32 TABLE 42. USA—Q21: “How small would the daily bag limit have to be before you would no longer hunt?”..........................................................................................................33 TABLE 43. Flyway—Q22: “What do you think the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be?” ...........................................................................................................................33 TABLE 44. Flyway—Q23: “Would you be willing to accept an overall smaller bag limit to have fewer species and sex bag limit restriction?” ....................................................33 TABLE 45. Flyway—Q24: “In the past, changes in season lengths were necessary to respond to changing duck populations. In the event of future changes, which would you prefer?” ................................................................................................................34 TABLE 46. Flyway—Q25: “How does changing bag limits and season lengths from year to year affect your duck hunting satisfaction?” ..............................................................34 TABLE 47. Sub-Flyway—Q26: “For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy?” ..........................................................35 TABLE 48. Sub-Flyway—Q27: “Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys?” ..............................................................35 TABLE 49. USA—Q27: Opinion of Allowing (or Not) Spinning Wing Decoys, by Use of Spinning-Wing Decoy in Most Recent Year of Duck Hunting (Q26). ................................36 TABLE 50. USA—Q4: Usual Annual Duck Harvest (Last 5 Years), by Opinion of Allowing (or Not) Spinning-Wing Decoys (Q27). ...................................................................36 TABLE 51. USA—Q4: Usual Annual Duck Harvest (Last 5 Years), by Frequency of Using Spinning Wing Decoys (Q26)......................................................................................36 TABLE 52. USA—Q28a-Q28l: “How much trust do you put in each of the following to represent interests of duck hunters like you?....................................................................37 TABLE 53. USA—Q28a-28l: “How much trust do you put in each of the following to represent interests of duck hunters like you?”(Ascending means ranked from high trust (1) to low trust (12), and Word Anchors). ......................................................................38 TABLE 54. USA—Q29: “Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information?” .........................................................................................................................38 TABLE 55. USA—Q13: Observed Changes in Duck Hunting Quality Over Last 5 Years, by Use of Internet to Look Up Duck Hunting Information (Q29). ...............................39 TABLE 56. USA—Q30: “About how much do you spend on duck hunting each year?” ....................................................................................................................................39 TABLE 57. USA—Q31: “Please indicate your sex:”.............................................................39 TABLE 58. USA—Q32: “Please indicate your age:” ............................................................39

5

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 Background and Objective In April 2005, the National Flyway Council (NFC) and Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), convened a Strategy Team (Appendix A). The Strategy Team’s purpose was to implement the Communications Recommendation of the Adaptive Harvest Management Task Force Final Report (March 11, 2005). The Strategy Team met on May 16, 2005, and proposed to initiate a sustained and systematic conversation with duck hunters. The group requested immediate action on a national survey of duck hunters, with findings available by February 1, 2006 to inform the 2006-2007 regulatory cycle. The objective of the survey was to provide clues and insights about duck hunters’: ¾ Opinions of and satisfactions with recent seasons and bags; ¾ Perceptions of duck populations, possible influences on duck numbers, and duck management priorities; ¾ Preferences for selected regulatory options; and ¾ Past involvement and current interest in duck hunting, and hunter background. The NFC and WMI conceived and funded the NDHS through the four flyway councils. The NFC hired D.J. Case & Associates, Inc. (DJ Case) to coordinate development, implementation and analysis of the survey. In addition, a committee comprised of Flyway technical representatives and human dimensions specialists was formed by the NFC. This NFC Survey Committee (Appendix A) met in Chicago, IL on June 27-28, 2005 to review an initial prospectus for the survey prepared by DJ Case. The committee rigorously evaluated the prospectus, offered improvements and refinements to the methodology and draft questionnaire, and developed a tight schedule calling for wide review of the questionnaire and methodology prior to July 13, 2005. Ultimately, over 60 pages of comments and recommendations were received from Flyway Councils and Flyway Technical Committees. Questionnaire revisions continued until August 16, 2005, when the questionnaire (Appendix B) was sent to the Assessment Resource Center (ARC) at the University of Missouri, the organization that printed, mailed, tracked, machine-scanned the questionnaires, and provided a dataset.

Methods The NDHS sample frame was a subset of the 2004 Harvest Information Program (HIP) sample frame. Specifically, the NDHS sample frame was state-specific and consisted of legally-licensed, resident migratory bird hunters who stated that they harvested at least one duck during the 2003 season. Forty-eight of 49 states participating in the NDHS gave written permission for their HIP lists to be accessed for this survey; the 49th (New York) handled all facets of addressing and mailing the survey to their selected sample; completed New York questionnaires arrived at ARC for machine-scanning stripped of contact information. Hawaii does not have a duck hunting season.

6

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

Harvest Information Program Background HIP requires each state to identify all potential migratory bird hunters in their state and ask them a series of “screening” questions about the species they hunted and their hunting success the previous year. The Service uses this prior year information as a predictor of current year hunting activity and success, and assigns each hunter to a success/activity stratum for each of nine species/species groups (ducks, sea ducks, geese, brant, doves, band-tailed pigeons, woodcock, coots and/or snipe, and rails and/or gallinules) based on his/her responses to the screening questions. Then the Service selects samples of migratory bird hunters from each stratum (i.e., stratified random samples) for the harvest surveys. For example, all HIP-certified hunters in each state are assigned to one of 3 duck strata, based on their answers to the question, “How many ducks did you shoot last year – none (stratum 1), 1-10 (stratum 2), or more than 10 (stratum 3)?” Those 3 strata are sampled for the HIP waterfowl harvest survey. Selected hunters are mailed a cover letter and a survey form in a daily hunting diary format, and their responses are used to estimate harvest and hunter activity for each species/species group in each state, flyway, and the entire U.S. The states forward the name and address and screening question information to the Service either weekly or twice a month, starting in August and continuing through the end of their migratory bird hunting seasons. The states use a variety of methods for identifying and collecting the name, address, and stratification information for each migratory bird hunter. Telephone, internet-based, and point-of-sale (electronic) systems, as well as traditional paper permits, or some combination of these, are all common methods used to collect these data. Most states send this information to the Service in electronic format. However, CA, CT, and NM exclusively send paper permits, while AL, KY, PA, WV, and WY send both paper permits and data in electronic format. The Service uses an optical character recognition scanning system to record the stratification information contained on all paper permits, but the name and address information is only entered for hunters who are selected for HIP surveys. Thus, the Service HIP name and address data base includes all HIP-certified migratory bird hunters in States that provide electronic data, but only a fraction of the HIP-certified migratory bird hunters in States that provide paper permits/forms.

NDHS Sample Frame Hunter information provided by HIP enabled the identification of previously successful, resident duck hunters in each state, thereby establishing the NDHS sample frame. Because the HIP sample frame contains mostly people who do not hunt ducks, only people who answered “1-10” or “more than 10” to the question, “How many ducks did you shoot last year?” were included in the NDHS sample frame. Too, because resident duck hunters were sampled in each state, this eliminated hunters who only hunted ducks out of their state of residence. These delimitations excluded duck hunters who were unsuccessful or did not hunt ducks the previous year; yet it probably includes most duck hunters, especially the regular, annual participants. The practical advantage of this approach is that it avoided surveying people who do not hunt ducks. Statespecific sample frames were limited to resident hunters to avoid “duplicate sampling” of people who hunt ducks in more than one state.

7

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report The NDHS sample frame included all or nearly all previously successful duck hunters from states that provided electronic HIP data. However, CA, CT, KY, NM, and PA provided the Service with hunter information on paper permits, and only those hunters randomly selected for one of the 4 HIP surveys had the name and address information edited and verified. As a result, the NDHS sample for those states was selected from a subset (hunters whose name and address data were previously edited and verified by the Service) of the legally licensed, successful, resident duck hunters with each state. WV and WY provided the Service with name and address data in both electronic and paper formats. In order to achieve the desired NDHS sample sizes for these states, the electronic database and the subset of hunters from the paper permits were combined and sampled. Most of the AL HIP sample frame was in electronic form, therefore the paper permit subset was excluded from the NDHS sample frame for AL.

NDHS Sample Selection The Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways were partitioned into 3 strata: 1) Upper (northern states), 2) Middle (mid-latitude), and 3) Lower (southern states) (Figure 1). Initially, the Pacific Flyway opted not to stratify by Sub-Flyway, but later requested that its sample (originally drawn proportional to each state’s contribution of hunters to the Flyway) be re-weighted to allow Sub-Flyway analyses at an upper, middle, and lower configuration. Power analyses revealed that a sample of 1,500 hunters per stratum, or 4,500 per flyway (assuming a 50% response rate) would be adequate to obtain a 95% confidence interval of ~± 4% of the point estimates (Arkin and Colton 1963). The sample within each stratum was partitioned among the states proportionally based on the estimated number of active duck hunters in 2004 from the HIP waterfowl survey. Samples sizes were adjusted to obtain a minimum sample of 100 hunters from each state. Furthermore, 5 states opted to “over-sample” to allow for inferences to be made at the state level. Four of those states (IA, MD, WI, AR) sampled 1,300 hunters in their state, and 1 state (TN), sampled 1,000 (Appendix C). All states in the Central Flyway opted for over-sampling at 1,300 to collect baseline, state-level data for the Hunter’s Choice regulatory alternative (Appendix C). Montana was divided into 2 parts for purposes of the study: a Central Flyway part with zip codes 59000 to 59699, and a Pacific Flyway part, with zip codes of 59700 to 59999. Simple random samples were selected for each state using PROC SURVEYSELECT with the selection method set to the predetermined sample size for each state (SAS® Institute, 1999).

8

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report FIGURE 1. Member states of Flyways and Sub-Flyways, National Duck Hunter Survey 2005.

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005: Sub-Flyways Upper PC

MTPAC 59700-59999 (1)

MTCENT 59000-59699 (1)

Upper CN

Middle PC

Middle CN

Lower PC

Lower CN

Upper AT

Upper MS

Middle AT

Middle MS

Lower MS

Lower AT

(1) Montana divided into Central and Pacific parts, based on 5-digit zips

Lower Atlantic (AF): Middle Atlantic: Upper Atlantic: Lower Mississippi (MF): Middle Mississippi: Upper Mississippi: Lower Central (CF): Middle Central: Upper Central: Lower Pacific (PF): Middle Pacific: Upper Pacific:

FL, GA, NC, SC DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT AL, AR, LA, MS, TN IL, IN, IA, KY, MO, OH MI, MN, WI NM, OK, TX CO, KS, NE, WY MT (zips 59000-59699), ND, SD AZ, NV, UT CA AK, ID, MT (zips 59700-59999), OR, WA

Survey Response A national response of 39.5% was achieved by December 10, 2005, the cut-off date to accept surveys (Table 1). The survey consisted of two waves: Wave 1: This first postal wave consisted of a questionnaire (Appendix B) sent by Standard Mail to each of the 29,862 in the original HIP sample for which valid addresses existed (postmarked, Columbia, MO, Sept. 16, 2005). Front-matter on page 1 of the 4-page machine-scannable (response-bubble) questionnaire briefly explained to the respondent the importance of the survey, and was signed by Chair of the NFC, Don Childress, with contact information. A web option encouraged the respondent to complete the survey on-line (internet) if more 9

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report convenient than responding by mail (www.ducksurvey.com); a First Class reminder postcard (Appendix B) was sent to each subject 3 days after the first postal wave; and Wave 2: A second postal wave included a replacement questionnaire sent by First Class Mail to each of the non-respondents (postmarked, Columbia, MO, Nov. 4, 2005), again, with encouragement to respond using the internet if that was more convenient. ARC opened each survey individually upon its return, examining the form to correct any data entry issues (mainly, ensuring response bubbles were completely filledin by the respondent), and compiling written comments that respondents volunteered.

TABLE 1. USA—Response to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005.

Valid

Not returned

Frequency 16668

Percent 55.8

Cumulative Percent 55.8

8222

27.5

83.4

Returned, Postal Wave1 Returned, Web W1 Returned, Postal Wave2 Returned, Web W2

410

1.4

84.7

2151

7.2

91.9

104

.3

92.3

Refused, W2

3

.0

92.3

Refused W1

11

.0

92.3

Deceased

12

.0

92.4

2281

7.6

100.0

29862

100.0

Undeliverable Total

In summary, the final tally of returned, usable forms was 10,887, from the original sample of 27,555 prospective respondents that presumably received questionnaires (removing “undeliverable,” “deceased,” and “refused”)—or 40%. Survey response varied substantially by state and region (Table 2). The U.S.’s southern states were battered by one of the most catastrophic fall storm seasons on record, perhaps accounting for some of the relatively low response from those southeastern states. Five states responded in excess of 50% and 20 states at 45% or higher. A 50% overall response was hoped for and anticipated. Obvious implications of the 40% response observed are that: 1. A 3rd postal wave to non-respondents should be allowed for (and perhaps even a 4th wave) to achieve response in excess of 50% (if deemed especially desirable); and, 2. It may be too optimistic to expect hunter survey responses in excess of 50%, at least for studies at a national level. Interestingly, anecdotal accounts of response to other hunter surveys administered in individual states in the recent

10

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report past show comparable response rates in the 40-50 percent range (Ron Reitz, MO Dept. of Conservation, personal communication; Andy Raedeke, MO Dept. of Conservation, personal communication; Coren Jagnow, VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, personal communication).

TABLE 2. Response to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005, by State. ______________________________________________________ State Response State Response GA NC MS TN TX

.154 .182 .216 .230 .231

PA NM ND NH CO

.419 .433 .436 .436 .445

FL LA AL SC AR

.251 .259 .271 .287 .295

SD NE AK CA WI

.448 .448 .449 .450 .452

ME AZ WV DE MD

.316 .340 .340 .341 .354

MI VA UT WA CT

.452 .453 .457 .460 .466

OK MT KY KS ID

.357 .376 .376 .379 .389

RI NJ IA VT IL

.479 .480 .486 .490 .504

OR MO MN OH WY

.393 .396 .404 .405 .413

IN NV MA NY USA

.525 .532 .585 .623 .395

11

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

Results Data Treatment Data were carefully handled to assure anonymity of respondents throughout all stages of the study. Data security and quality control were preeminent concerns of ARC as it prepared the SPSS® dataset. Analytical counsel was provided by Drs. Jody Enck, Coren Jagnow, and Andy Raedeke. DJCase used SPSS® ver. 13.0 to analyze data and prepare tables. Three sets of weights were applied to each respondent, depending on level of analysis: (1) weights for analyses at the “USA” level (USAwgt); (2) weights for analyses at the “Flyway” level (FLYwgt), and (3) weights for analyses at the “Sub-Flyway” level (SUBFlywgt) (Appendix C). The weights adjusted the actual number of respondents in each state to represent the proportionality of estimated number of active duck hunters in 2004 by Sub-Flyway, Flyway, and USA. Unless indicated otherwise (i.e., “unweighted”), all tabular data are appropriately weighted. Detailed tabulations are presented in Appendices D-G for (1) the USA organized by order of question, and by selected classification/background variables, then (2) by order of question for 4 Flyways, and then (3) by order of question for 12 Sub-Flyways. Tables of error tolerances for individual percentages are in Appendix H. See the questionnaire (Appendix B) for exact question wording. Generally, percentages that follow are rounded to the nearest whole number, occasionally resulting in slight variations (1%) in reported percent totals (i.e., percent totals equally 99% or 101%). Missing data are excluded from tabulations in the following narrative. Missing data are tallied in Appendix D. USA percentages are provided in Flyway and Sub-Flyway tables for comparative purposes; however, actual counts of respondents at the USA level should be drawn from USA tables in the narrative and Appendices.

Findings As a reminder, human dimensions in conservation issues are best used to reveal clues—not “answers” or “votes” or “dictates”—but clues to better informed fish and wildlife management (Witter and Jahn, 1998) Respondents were first screened to determine if, in fact, they still considered themselves to be duck hunters (Table 3). As might be expected, some respondents removed themselves from the survey (668, 7%) because they indicated that they now hunted “only geese,” or “neither ducks nor geese.” A small group of hunters neglected to answer Q1 at the bottom of questionnaire page 1, but they proceeded to answer duck hunting questions beginning on page 2. These respondents were assigned to a category, “Hunt ducks, perhaps geese,” and kept in the study (Table 3). The initial Q1 screening reduced the response group from 10,877 to 10,219.

12

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 3. USA—Q1: Waterfowl Pursuits of Duck Hunters (unweighted). Q1: Which of the following statements best describes your pursuits in waterfowl hunting? Ducks, Ducks Neither Only Only perhaps and ducks nor Total ducks geese geese geese geese 1% 9% 84% 3% 4% 10887

Regional differences among the Flyways were immediately obvious in waterfowl interests expressed by respondents in Q1, with hunters in the Lower Flyways (except Pacific) more likely to hunt “Only ducks” (Table 4). TABLE 4. Sub-Flyway—Q1: Waterfowl pursuits of Duck Hunters Within Sub-Flyways.

Sub-Flyway

Lower AT Middle AT Upper AT Lower MS Middle MS Upper MS Lower CN Middle CN Upper CN Lower PC Middle PC Upper PC

Q1: Which of the following statements best describes your pursuits in waterfowl hunting? Ducks, Ducks perhaps and Only geese geese ducks Total 0% 41% 59% 229 2% 4% 94% 814 1% 9% 90% 731 1% 40% 59% 650 1% 7% 92% 1072 1% 7% 92% 863 0% 26% 74% 838 1% 5% 94% 1872 1% 2% 97% 1410 0% 7% 92% 282 2% 10% 88% 670 1% 10% 88% 788

Duck hunting was vital to respondents, with almost 75% describing the pursuit as “one of my most important recreational activities” or “my most important recreational activity” (Table 5). TABLE 5. Flyway—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting as a Recreational Activity to National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 Respondents.

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Most important 13% 15% 10% 14% 14%

Q2: How important is duck hunting to you? One of my One of my No more Less most least important important important important 62% 21% 4% 1% 59% 20% 5% 1% 53% 29% 6% 1% 59% 21% 5% 1% 58% 22% 5% 1%

13

Total 1762 2560 4090 1716 10128

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

The number of respondents (528) who chose to complete the survey at the web address was relatively small (5%) (Table 6). TABLE 6. USA—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting to NDHS Respondents, by Type (Postal/Web) and Wave (“W” 1 or 2) of Response.

Responses

Most important Returned, postal W1 14% Returned, web W1 20% Returned, postal W2 13% Returned, web W2 11%

Q2: How important is duck hunting to you? One of my One of my most least No more Less important important important important 59% 21% 5% 1% 60% 17% 2% 0% 54% 26% 7% 1% 63% 20% 3% 4%

Total 7708 414 1984 114

A detailed, item-by-item comparison of postal versus web respondents (and further differentiated by Wave 1 versus Wave 2; and perhaps weighted versus unweighted data) would be a worthy methodological inquiry, and would undoubtedly reveal some differences in response profiles. Indeed, prior work has revealed some important and notable characteristics of tech-savvy hunters who use the internet (Miller, 2003). However, present data do not support fears of introducing gross, systematic bias by encouraging survey response by web. Moreover, most to the point—and remembering that this survey (as with many contemporary hunter surveys) experienced over a 50% non-response—energy at controlling error should most certainly be directed at encouraging respondents to answer—in any way—rather than fearing potential bias associated with new media that might actually increase the number of respondents. Most respondents were male (99%), confirming low female participation found in a previous national survey of duck hunters (Ringelman, 1997), and offering sharp contrast to the approximate 9% of deer hunters who are women (Leonard, 2004). But though involvement in duck hunting by women is small, female participants, like men, are very committed to duck hunting (Table 7), evidenced by their willingness to characterize duck hunting as “one of my most important” recreational activities. TABLE 7. USA—Q2: Importance of Duck Hunting as a Recreational Activity to Male and Female Respondents (Q31).

q31: Please indicate your sex:

Male Female Total

Most important 14% 3% 14%

Q2: How important is duck hunting to you? One of my One of my No more Less most least important important important important 58% 22% 5% 1% 69% 22% 4% 2% 58% 22% 5% 1%

14

Total 9841 145 9986

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report Compared to the U.S. age distribution, duck hunters’ ages tended to be slightly under-representative of ages 24 and younger, over-representative of ages 45 to 64, and under-representative of those 65 and older (Table 8). Compared to deer hunters, duck hunters tended to be over-represented in the 45 to 64 age group. As a group, duck hunters tend to be older than deer hunters. TABLE 8. Comparison of U.S. Population, Deer Hunters’, and Duck Hunters’ Age Distributions.

____________________________________________________________ Deer Huntersa Duck Huntersb Age U.S. Populationa 30 Total 18% 30% 30% 14% 8% 1766 14% 25% 31% 18% 11% 2575 20% 31% 27% 14% 8% 4105 14% 25% 28% 17% 16% 1730 16% 27% 30% 16% 11% 10175

Comparing usual annual harvest to usual annual days hunting ducks revealed the predictable relationship that, the more days of hunting ducks, the greater number of ducks bagged (Table 13). TABLE 13. USA—Q4: Ducks Harvested and Days Duck Hunted (Q5), Usual per Year Over the Last 5 Years.

Q5: Over the last five years, about how many days did you usually hunt ducks in a year?

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year? 5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total 5 or less 54% 35% 10% 1% 0% 1617 6 to 10 16% 38% 37% 8% 1% 2752 11 to 20 6% 15% 37% 36% 6% 3010 21 to 30 2% 7% 21% 51% 19% 1674 More than 30 1% 4% 10% 31% 54% 1090 Total 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10143

Respondents were asked if they hunted ducks during the 2004-2005 season (Table 14), and how many of the last 5 years they hunted ducks (Table 15).

16

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report TABLE 14. Flyway—Q6: Respondent Participation in 2004-05 Duck Season.

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q6: Did you hunt ducks during the 2004-2005 season? Yes No Total 93% 7% 1762 93% 7% 2574 90% 10% 4101 94% 6% 1729 92% 8% 10165

TABLE 15. Flyway—Q7: Number of Years in the Last 5 Years Respondents Hunted Ducks.

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

0 years 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Q7: How many of the last 5 years have you hunted ducks? 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 1% 3% 9% 11% 76% 1% 3% 8% 10% 79% 1% 4% 11% 13% 71% 1% 4% 9% 10% 77% 1% 3% 9% 11% 76%

Total 1766 2575 4099 1733 10173

Large majorities of hunters in all Flyways hunted at least 4 of the last 5 years, and about three-quarters indicated that they hunted all 5 years. Hunters were asked how many days per season they were duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago (Table 16). Nationally, 64% of duck hunters are hunting the “same number” or “more days” than they did 5 years ago. TABLE 16. Sub-Flyway—Q8: Amount of Days per Season Hunting Now Compared to 5 Years Ago.

Sub-Flyway

Lower AT Middle AT Upper AT Lower MS Middle MS Upper MS Lower CN Middle CN Upper CN Lower PC Middle PC Upper PC USA

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago? Wasn't hunting 5 Same More Fewer yrs ago Total number days days 40% 25% 29% 6% 227 41% 28% 25% 5% 812 45% 23% 26% 6% 730 39% 17% 39% 4% 646 45% 24% 27% 5% 1067 44% 18% 32% 6% 861 35% 24% 35% 6% 838 41% 25% 28% 5% 1863 46% 20% 29% 6% 1402 45% 21% 30% 4% 282 45% 28% 24% 4% 666 41% 23% 29% 6% 784 42% 22% 31% 5% 10178

17

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report The percentages of hunters hunting “fewer days” now than 5 years ago ranged from a high of 39% in the Lower Mississippi Flyway to 24% in the Middle Pacific. Analyses compared ducks usually harvested per year and relative amount of time spent duck hunting now versus 5 years ago (Table 17); usual days spent duck hunting per season and time spent duck hunting now versus 5 years ago (Table 18); and age and time spent duck hunting now versus 5 years ago (Table 19). TABLE 17. USA—Q8: Ducks Usually Harvested in a Year (Last 5 Years) (Q4), by Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago.

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year?

5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago? Wasn't hunting 5 Same More Fewer yrs ago number days days Total 40% 16% 32% 12% 1538 40% 18% 35% 7% 2209 39% 24% 33% 4% 2748 45% 24% 29% 2% 2532 51% 27% 20% 1% 1115 42% 22% 31% 5% 10143

TABLE 18. USA—Q8: Days Spent Duck Hunting in a Season (Last 5 Years) by (Q5) Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago.

Q5: Over the last five years, about how many days did you usually hunt ducks in a year?

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago? Wasn't hunting 5 Same More Fewer yrs ago number days days Total 40% 11% 40% 9% 1614 38% 20% 36% 6% 2754 42% 24% 30% 4% 3012 44% 27% 26% 3% 1674 51% 30% 17% 3% 1097 42% 22% 31% 5% 10150

18

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 19. USA—Q8: Age of Respondent (Q32), by Days Spent Duck Hunting Now Versus 5 Years Ago.

Q32: Please indicate your age:

24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago? Wasn't hunting 5 Same More Fewer yrs ago number days days Total 29% 38% 16% 17% 1219 40% 22% 32% 5% 4133 47% 18% 33% 2% 4038 50% 12% 37% 1% 689 42% 22% 31% 5% 10079

A probing examination of variables, using 3- or n-way cross tabulations might identify factors explaining fewer days afield on the part of some duck hunters, but is beyond the scope of this report. Obviously, diminished involvement might be, in part, attributable to variables as obvious as falling harvest success or age. Whatever the case, Table 17 provides provocative insight to the idea that diminishing participation might not be attributable to the simplistic, “not finding any ducks”; note that 20% of the sub-group of hunters harvesting “more than 50 ducks” on an annual basis indicated they’re going afield fewer days today than 5 years ago. Questions 9 and 10 were used to determine if the respondent’s mailing address was the state in which the respondent hunted most over the last 5 years (Table 20). TABLE 20. USA—Q10: Proportion of Respondents Who Hunted States Other Than Their Mailing Address State. Q10: Is this state the same as indicated on your current mailing address? Yes No Total 95% 5% 10115

In the approximate 450 cases where respondents indicated that, over the last 5 years, they hunted most in a state different than their mailing state—and if they identified that different state in Question 9—they were assigned to that state for purposes of analysis, and weighted accordingly. However, in some cases, respondents neglected to provide the name of the state, in which case they were assigned their mailing state for purposes of analysis. Or, in the event the respondent skipped questions 9 and 10—this question sequence was somewhat visually daunting (“form fear,” perhaps)—they also were assigned their mailing state for purposes of analysis. This reassignment of hunters showed little consequence in altering results, overall. However, noteworthy are states that lost or gained 1 percentage point in their proportions of the total U.S. sample: gaining 1 percentage point in hunters were Missouri, Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin; losing 1 percentage point were Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee. No state lost or gained more than 1 percentage point in the total U.S. sample 19

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report In all surveys—all good surveys—there are benchmark questions that tend to cut to the heart of the study’s objective. Questions 11 (Table 21) and 12 (Table 22) were 2 such benchmark questions in this survey and represent perhaps the most fruitful dependent variables for subsequent exploration. About 72% of duck hunters characterized the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the states they hunted most as “about right” (Table 21). Those saying the bag was “too low” ranged from a high in the Atlantic of 18% to a low in the Pacific of 10%; and those saying the bag was “too high” ranged from a high in the Mississippi of 11% to a low in the Central of 4%. TABLE 21. Flyway—Q11: Satisfaction with total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state hunted most.

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too low About right Too high No opinion Total 18% 69% 5% 8% 1729 12% 71% 11% 6% 2531 14% 75% 4% 7% 4042 10% 77% 7% 6% 1700 13% 72% 8% 7% 10002

TABLE 22. Flyway—Q12: Satisfaction with duck season length over the last 5 years in the state hunted most.

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 46% 50% 1% 3% 1744 34% 57% 5% 4% 2550 34% 61% 1% 4% 4080 23% 70% 3% 4% 1716 34% 59% 3% 4% 10091

Though hunters’ satisfaction with season length was not the ringing endorsement they gave for bag limit, still, majorities within each Flyway indicated that season length was “about right.” However, in the Atlantic, about as many respondents called the season “too short” (46%) as “about right” (50%). Few respondents characterized the season as “too long,” with the highest proportion (5%) feeling that way in the Mississippi Flyway. Questions 11 and 12 are insightful variables when crosstabulated with each other (Tables 23 and 24), both crosstabs showing different facets of opinion of daily bag and season length.

20

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 23. USA—Q11: Satisfaction (total daily duck bag limit) by satisfaction (duck season length) over last 5 years in state hunted most (Q12).

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Too low

Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 62% 36% 0% 2% 1328

About right

32%

64%

2%

2%

7213

Too high

15%

62%

21%

2%

800

No opinion

30%

35%

3%

33%

637

Total

34%

59%

3%

4%

9978

TABLE 24. USA—Q12: Satisfaction (duck season length) by satisfaction (total daily duck bag limit) over the last 5 years in the state hunted most (Q11). Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Too short

24%

67%

3%

6%

3442

About right

8%

80%

9%

4%

5848

Too long

2%

39%

54%

5%

320

No opinion

5%

34%

4%

57%

368

13%

72%

8%

7%

9978

Total

A perhaps telling relationship emerges in Table 23 for hunters who characterize the daily bag as “too high.” About as many of them call the season length “too short” (15%) as “too long” (21%), suggesting that, even though they feel the bag is too high, it’s difficult to entertain shortening the season to compensate. Generally, however, Table 24 suggests that, if hunters think the season is “too short,” they’re more inclined to feel the bag is “too low” (24%). The relatively small group that feels the season is “too long” thinks the bag is “too high” (54%) Another effective and insightful “right-to-the-heart-of-the-matter” question is Q13 (Table 25). Immediately obvious are those Sub-Flyways with larger proportions characterizing duck hunting quality as “gotten much worse”—these include (and in fact, feature the 3 highest percentages for “gotten much worse”)—the Upper (33%), Middle (21%), and in particular, Lower Mississippi (51%) Sub-Flyways. In contrast is the Upper Central Sub-Flyway, with 20 percent characterizing hunting as “gotten a little better” and 10%, “gotten much better.”

21

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 25. Sub-Flyway—Q13: Changes to Overall Quality of Your Duck Hunting Over the Last 5 Years in State Hunted Most.

Sub-Flyway

Lower AT Middle AT Upper AT Lower MS Middle MS Upper MS Lower CN Middle CN Upper CN Lower PC Middle PC Upper PC USA

Q13: What changes have you observed in the overall quality of your duck hunting over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Gotten Stayed Gotten a Gotten much about little much Gotten a No Total better same worse worse little better opinion 5% 14% 28% 35% 14% 4% 226 3% 18% 35% 31% 10% 2% 797 6% 17% 39% 26% 10% 2% 721 1% 4% 12% 31% 51% 1% 646 3% 11% 29% 34% 21% 2% 1046 2% 8% 22% 33% 33% 3% 854 4% 14% 25% 35% 18% 4% 833 4% 16% 33% 32% 12% 3% 1852 10% 20% 38% 23% 6% 3% 1380 3% 18% 35% 31% 11% 2% 280 4% 14% 30% 33% 16% 2% 660 3% 10% 32% 34% 16% 4% 772 3% 11% 26% 32% 25% 3% 10066

Question 14 featured a series of nine factors that may have helped account for changes (better/worse) in duck hunting quality (Table 26). Data reduction must proceed cautiously, but one immediate method to summarize the foregoing data is to calculate and rank mean scores for each of Q14a through Q14i, using scores 1 to 5, with 1= “Much better” and 5= “Much worse” (and eliminating “Don’t know” for purposes of this analysis) (Table 27). Based on central tendency, duck hunters characterized 5 items as “Somewhat Worse”—these were, “when ducks are arriving in my area,” “overall duck numbers,” “the number of places to hunt,” “the length of time ducks are staying in my area,” and “weather patterns for duck hunting.” Four factors were characterized as “Neither Better Nor Worse.” These were “timing of duck seasons,” “amount of time I have to hunt ducks,” “duck habitat were I hunt,” and “ease of understanding regulations.”

22

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 26. USA—Q14a-Q14i: “Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become?” Much better Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt? Q14b: When ducks arrive in area? Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area? Q14d: Timing of duck seasons? Q14e: Overall duck numbers? Q14f: Ease of understanding regs? Q14g: Number of places to hunt? Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks? Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting?

Somewhat better

Neither better/worse

Somewhat worse

Much worse

Don't know

Total

5%

18%

43%

23%

9%

2%

10026

1%

7%

34%

34%

21%

3%

9954

1%

7%

39%

32%

17%

4%

9952

1%

9%

52%

22%

12%

3%

9929

2%

15%

24%

32%

25%

2%

9946

4%

14%

63%

12%

6%

2%

9942

2%

9%

36%

31%

20%

2%

9956

4%

14%

47%

24%

9%

1%

9982

0%

5%

45%

30%

16%

4%

10033

TABLE 27. USA—Q14a-Q14i: “Changes in Hunting Quality” (Ascending means ranked from lesser change (1) to greater change (9)). N

Rank (Mean) & Word Anchor

Std. Deviation

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs?

9782

1(3.03) Neither Better/Worse

.814

Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt?

9852

2 (3.14) Neither Better/Worse

.991

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks?

9881

3 (3.20) Neither Better/Worse

.941

Q14d: Timing of duck seasons?

9643

4 (3.35) Neither Better/Worse

.871

Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting?

9612

5 (3.59) Somewhat Worse

.833

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area?

9583

6 (3.60) Somewhat Worse

.902

Q14g: Number of places to hunt?

9771

6 (3.60) Somewhat Worse

.969

Q14e: Overall duck numbers?

9730

8 (3.65) Somewhat Worse

1.088

Q14b: When ducks arrive in area?

9661

9 (3.68) Somewhat Worse

.928

Across the Flyways, there were apparent differences in what was perceived to be better or worse (Table 28). The factor that worsened most over the last 5 years in the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways was “number of places to hunt.” In the Mississippi Flyway, it

23

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report was “overall duck numbers.” In the Central, the issue that had worsened most was “weather patterns for duck hunting.” TABLE 28. Flyway—Q14a-Q14i: “Changes in Hunting Quality” (Ascending means ranked from lesser change (1) to greater change (9), and Word Anchors). Atlantic Rank (Mean)

Missi’ippi Rank (Mean)

Central Rank (Mean)

Pacific Rank (Mean)

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs?

1(3.08) Neither Better/Worse

1 (2.99) Neither Better/Worse

2 (3.04) Neither Better/Worse

4 (3.15) Neither Better/Worse

Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt?

2 (3.20) Neither Better/Worse

3 (3.22) Neither Better/Worse

1 (3.02) Neither Better/Worse

1 (3.04) Neither Better/Worse

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks?

3 (3.25) Neither Better/Worse

2 (3.18) Neither Better/Worse

5 (3.29) Neither Better/Worse

2 (3.12) Neither Better/Worse

Q14d: Timing of duck seasons?

4 (3.33) Neither Better/Worse

4 (3.49) Neither Better/Worse

4 (3.27) Neither Better/Worse

3 (3.13) Neither Better/Worse

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area?

5 (3.42) Neither Better/Worse

7 (3.84) Somewhat Worse

6 (3.44) Neither Better/Worse

5 (3.37) Neither Better/Worse

Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting?

7 (3.48) Neither Better/Worse

6 (3.72) Somewhat Worse

9 (3.54) Somewhat Worse

8 (3.46) Neither Better/Worse

Q14e: Overall duck numbers?

6 (3.46) Neither Better/Worse

9 (3.96) Somewhat Worse

3 (3.26) Neither Better/Worse

6 (3.40) Neither Better/Worse

Q14b: When ducks arrive in area?

8 (3.51) Somewhat Worse

8 (3.92) Somewhat Worse

7 (3.46) Neither Better/Worse

7 (3.45) Neither Better/Worse

Q14g: Number of places to hunt?

9 (3.72) Somewhat Worse

5 (3.59) Somewhat Worse

8 (3.53) Somewhat Worse

9 (3.64) Somewhat Worse

Each respondent was asked how much more or less of a problem 7 factors had become over the last 5 years in the state hunted most (Table 29). TABLE 29. USA—Q15a-15g: “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” Much more Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas? Q15b: Hunting pressure? Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas? Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes? Q15e: Interference from other hunters? Q15f: Ducks arriving after season close? Q15g: Ducks concentrating on fewer areas?

Somewhat more

Neither more or less

Somewhat less

20%

38%

32%

4%

1%

4%

10129

18%

41%

31%

6%

1%

3%

10109

7%

20%

53%

8%

5%

7%

10016

17%

27%

38%

5%

2%

12%

9989

13%

33%

46%

4%

1%

3%

10001

24%

32%

34%

3%

2%

6%

10049

14%

35%

39%

3%

1%

7%

10089

24

Much less

Don't know

Total

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report Re-examining these data by calculating and ranking means revealed that, at a national level, respondents evaluated 3 issues as “somewhat more” of a problem: “ducks arriving after the season is closed,” “hunting pressure,” and “crowding at hunting areas,” with slight variations in problems among Flyways (Table 30). TABLE 30. Flyway—Q15a-15g: “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most” (Descending means ranked from lesser problem (1) to greater problem (7), and Word Anchors). Atlantic Rank (Mean)

Missi’ippi Rank (Mean)

Central Rank (Mean)

Pacific Rank (Mean)

Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes

1(3.14) Neither More/Less

3 (2.54) Neither More/Less

2 (3.02) Neither More/Less

2 (3.11) Neither More/Less

Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas?

2 (3.02) Neither More/Less

1 (3.02) Neither More/Less

1 (3.03) Neither More/Less

1 (3.20) Neither More/Less

3 (2.76) Neither More/Less

4 (2.50) Somewhat More

3 (2.75) Neither More/Less

3 (2.82) Neither More/Less

4 (2.57) Neither More/Less

2 (2.55) Neither More/Less

4 (2.65) Neither More/Less

5 (2.55) Neither More/Less

5 (2.51) Neither More/Less

7 (2.27) Somewhat More

5 (2.61) Neither More/Less

4 (2.78) Neither More/Less

Q15b: Hunting pressure?

6 (2.42) Somewhat More

6 (2.33) Somewhat More

6 (2.53) Neither More/Less

6 (2.44) Somewhat More

Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas?

7 (2.40) Somewhat More

5 (2.34) Somewhat More

7 (2.51) Neither More/Less

7 (2.40) Somewhat More

Q15g: Ducks concentrating on fewer areas? Q15e: Interference from other hunters? Q15f: Ducks arriving after season close?

Only one item in the survey (Q16a-Q16f) asked respondents to reflect on their duck hunting satisfactions for “the most recent year hunted in the state where you hunted most”—versus asking respondents to reflect over the last 5 years, the overarching context for most questions throughout the survey. Responses to Q6 revealed that fully 92% (~9390) of respondents participated in the 2004-2005 season. The balance (~775) presumably participated in the 2003-2004 season, because it was in that season that they reported to HIP killing at least 1 duck. The ability to analyze satisfactions for a particular year was partially confounded when the timeframe for mailwaves (notably, wave 2) unavoidably extended into the current 2005-2006 duck hunting season—which in fact could have been interpreted by the respondent as the “most recent year you hunted”—but with no way provided in the questionnaire for the respondent to indicate that they were answering with their 2005-2006 experiences in mind. Because response by wave (both postal response and web response) was tracked over the course of this survey and is a variable in the survey’s SPSS data set, a worthy methodological inquiry beyond the scope of this present report would compare Q16a-Q16f responses by mailwave. For now, however, Table 31 summarizes national data for Q16a-Q16f, and Table 32 compares satisfactions for respondents who, it’s assumed, duck hunted most recently in the 03-04 season, and those who presumably participated most recently in 04-05.

25

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 31. USA—Q16a-Q16f: “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:” Very satisfied Q16a: Number of ducks you saw? Q16b: Number of ducks you harvested? Q16c: Timing of duck season? Q16d: Number of days in duck season? Q16e: Number of ducks in daily limit? Q16f: Your overall hunting experience?

Somewhat satisfied

Neutral

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Total

8%

23%

15%

33%

21%

10140

8%

21%

21%

32%

18%

10115

7%

18%

37%

27%

11%

10074

12%

22%

39%

22%

5%

10054

19%

26%

38%

14%

3%

10112

15%

33%

20%

24%

8%

10104

In general, duck hunters who most recently hunted in 03-04 (Table 32) tended to evaluate all items in the Q16 series more negatively than hunters who presumably were afield in 04-05—and 03-04 hunters were more likely to offer a “neutral” appraisal of the items, perhaps because of difficulties remembering. Several items in the Q16 series beg comparison to similar items elsewhere in the questionnaire. For example, Q16a (though specific to a season) is comparable to Q14e (“overall ducks numbers over the last 5 years”); Q14e response showed 32% “somewhat worse” and 25% “much worse” (or 57% “worse” overall duck numbers), compared to Q16a’s 54% that were either “somewhat” (33%) or “very dissatisfied” (21%) with number of ducks seen. Similarly, Q14d (“timing of duck season over the last 5 years”) showed 21% “somewhat worse” and 12% “much worse (or 33% worse “timing of duck season), compared to 38% dissatisfaction registered with “timing of duck season” in Q16c. Similar comparisons can be made between results of Q16d and Q12, Q16e and Q11, and Q16f and Q13; these comparisons highlight good internal consistency in responses to questionnaire items.

26

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 32. USA—Q16a-Q16f: Comparison of satisfactions for “the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most”…2004-05 (N~=9390) and 2003-04 (N~=775).

Q16a: Number of ducks you saw?

Q16b: Number of ducks you harvested?

Q16c: Timing of duck season?

Q16d: Number of days in duck season?

Q16e: Number of ducks in daily limit?

Q16f: Your overall hunting experience?

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

Hunted ducks during which of the recent seasons? 04-05 03-04 8% 5% 23% 22% 15% 21% 33% 28% 21% 25% 8% 4% 22% 17% 21% 28% 32% 32% 18% 20% 7% 6% 19% 12% 36% 46% 27% 24% 11% 11% 12% 7% 23% 16% 38% 45% 22% 27% 5% 5% 20% 12% 26% 21% 37% 46% 14% 16% 3% 4% 16% 9% 33% 27% 19% 28% 24% 26% 8% 10%

Respondents were asked to indicate the minimum number of ducks they needed to harvest in a day’s hunt to feel satisfied with their harvest. Predictably, responses covered the gamut, from the (for some hunters) almost-obligatory “0,” to “more than 7 ducks” (Table 33).

27

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 33. USA—Q17: Harvest Necessary in a Day’s Hunt to Feel Satisfied with Harvest. Q17: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a day's hunt to feel satisfied with your harvest?

0 1 duck 2 ducks 3 ducks 4 ducks 5 ducks 6 ducks 7 ducks More than 7 ducks No opinion Total

8% 8% 16% 18% 18% 11% 9% 4% 3% 5% 10125

Slight differences were evident among Flyways related to satisfactory harvest (Table 34). TABLE 34. Flyway—Q17: Harvest Necessary in a Day’s Hunt to Feel Satisfied with Harvest.

Q17: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a day's hunt to feel satisfied with your harvest?

0 1 duck 2 ducks 3 ducks 4 ducks 5 ducks 6 ducks 7 ducks More than 7 ducks No opinion Total

Atlantic 11% 12% 16% 15% 16% 10% 8% 2% 3% 7% 1747

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 6% 10% 8% 8% 17% 13% 20% 18% 21% 14% 8% 13% 10% 10% 2% 3% 3% 5% 5% 6% 2565 4098

Pacific 8% 7% 12% 16% 16% 16% 5% 10% 4% 6% 1718

Especially revealing was the comparison of the numbers of ducks that respondents indicated they needed to harvest on a daily basis to feel satisfied with their harvest (Q17), with their feelings toward the adequacy of the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state they most hunted (Q11) (Table 35). Almost all duckharvest groups—from those hunters who indicated they need not even kill one duck to be “satisfied with harvest,” to those who needed to kill 6 ducks to be satisfied with their harvest—expressed contentment (at least majority approval) with the duck bag limit over the last 5 years. Perhaps predictably, only those hunters who indicated they needed to kill 7 or more ducks in a day’s hunt to feel satisfied with their harvest failed to register majority support of the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years.

28

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 35. USA—Q17: Minimum Satisfactory Daily Duck Harvest, by Satisfaction with Total Daily Duck Bag Limit Over the Last 5 Years (Q11).

Q17: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a day's hunt to feel satisfied with your harvest?

0 1 duck 2 ducks 3 ducks 4 ducks 5 ducks 6 ducks 7 ducks More than 7 ducks No opinion Total

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too low About right Too high No opinion Total 2% 81% 7% 10% 811 4% 76% 10% 9% 814 5% 77% 12% 6% 1544 6% 77% 13% 5% 1785 9% 77% 10% 4% 1774 18% 74% 3% 5% 1069 30% 64% 1% 5% 876 47% 48% 0% 5% 364 70% 25% 1% 4% 345 11% 67% 6% 16% 544 13% 72% 8% 6% 9925

In similar fashion, respondents were asked to identify the number of ducks they needed to harvest in a season to feel satisfied with their harvest (Table 36). TABLE 36. USA—Q18: Minimum Number of Ducks Needed to Harvest In a Season to Feel Satisfied with “Your” Harvest. Q18: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a season to feel satisfied with your harvest?

5 ducks or less Between 6 and 10 ducks Between 11 and 20 ducks Between 21 and 50 ducks More than 50 ducks No opinion Total

8% 12% 26% 30% 12% 11% 9974

Particularly illuminating was comparison of the minimum ducks required for a satisfactory seasonal harvest (Q18), with the number of ducks that respondents indicated they usually killed each year over the last 5 years (Table 37). In fact, the question arises, “Which comes first; achievement, or expectation (target)?” Obviously, of the 8% of hunters who indicated they need only harvest 5 ducks or less for a satisfactory season, the entire group did indeed meet their satisfaction level, given that all of them at least harvested 5 ducks or less—perhaps not a very high expectation level, but likely very real for some hunters. Of the 12% of duck hunters needing 6 to 10 ducks for a successful seasonal harvest, two-thirds harvested at least 6 to 10 ducks. Of the 26% of duck hunters who think 11 to 20 ducks equates with a satisfactory season harvest, 53% met their expectation. Of the 30% of duck hunters who think that 21 to 50 ducks is a satisfactory season harvest, 55% met their desired minimum annual harvest. Finally, of the 12% thinking that “more than 50 ducks” a season is satisfying, 54% indicated their annual harvest over the last 5 years was, indeed, “more than 50.”

29

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report In summary—and profoundly—whatever hunters’ expressed evaluation of duck numbers, season length, and other factors about which they were asked in the NDHS that might contribute to a successful season, when it comes to harvesting ducks, current regulatory structures apparently are allowing majorities of hunters to achieve their stated, desired levels of harvest expectations.

TABLE 37. USA—Q18: Minimum Number of Ducks for a Satisfactory Season Harvest, by Usual Harvest per Year Over the Last 5 Years (Q4).

Q18: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a season to feel satisfied with your harvest?

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year? 5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total 5 ducks or less 45% 26% 18% 9% 2% 817 Between 6 and 10 ducks 34% 40% 21% 4% 1% 1236 Between 11 and 20 ducks 14% 33% 40% 12% 1% 2629 Between 21 and 50 ducks 5% 12% 28% 47% 8% 3023 More than 50 ducks 2% 3% 9% 32% 54% 1176 No opinion 17% 19% 25% 25% 15% 1059 Total 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 9941

In question 19, respondents were asked to evaluate each of four season options. These options represent different approaches to allowing harvest on abundant species, while protecting species that cannot support as much harvest. Q19d captures the “Hunter’s Choice” concept developed by the Central Flyway Council. At the USA level (Table 38), three alternatives were favorably received—items Q19a, Q19c, and Q19d. Only one alternative, Q19b, was roundly rejected—it suggested, “A shorter season for all ducks….”

30

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 38. USA—Q19a-19d: “How much do you support or oppose each of the following season options?” Strongly support Q19a: How much do you support "Closed seasons on ducks with lower population levels so the overall season can be long for more abundant ducks?" Q19b: How much do you support "A shorter season for all ducks to meet needs of ducks with lower population levels?" Q19c: How much do you support "Shorter seasons for ducks with lower population levels within a longer season for abundant ducks?" Q19d: How much do you support "Longer season for all ducks, with daily bag limit restrictions for ducks with lower population levels?"

Somewhat support

Unsure

Somewhat oppose

Strongly oppose

Total

39%

36%

14%

8%

4%

10141

8%

13%

17%

32%

30%

10136

43%

37%

9%

7%

3%

10152

38%

31%

15%

11%

5%

10143

At the USA level (Table 38), first appearances were that option c was most preferred. However, when respondents were asked to select only 1 of the 4 options as their preferred alternative, option d was most preferred at USA (Table 39), Flyway (Table 40), and Sub-Flyway levels (Table 41), consistently followed by option c, then a, and option b trailed, with little support. TABLE 39. USA—Q20: “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?” Q20: Which one of the 4 options listed in question 19 would you most prefer?

Q19A, Closed seasons on some but longer overall Q19B, Shorter seasons to meet needs of low-pop d k Shorter low-pop seasons within longer season Q19C, Q19D. Longer seasons & low-pop bag restrictions Total

31

20% 6% 27% 47% 10057

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 40. Flyway—Q20: “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?”

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q20: Which one of the 4 options listed in question 19 would you most prefer? Q19C, Q19D. Q19A, Closed Q19B, Shorter Shorter Longer seasons on seasons to low-pop seasons & some but meet needs of seasons low-pop bag Total longer overall low-pop ducks 22% 4% 30% 44% 1750 20% 8% 27% 45% 2550 19% 5% 29% 47% 4057 17% 6% 24% 54% 1691 20% 6% 27% 47% 10048

TABLE 41. Sub-Flyway—Q20. “Which of the 4 options (a-d) listed in question 19 above [see Table 38] would you most prefer?” Q20: Which one of the 4 options listed in question 19 would you most prefer? Q19B, Shorter Q19C, Shorter Q19D. Longer Q19A, Closed seasons to meet low-pop seasons & seasons on some but needs of low-pop seasons within low-pop bag Total longer overall ducks longer season restrictions Sub-Flyway Lower AT 20% 5% 28% 47% 226 Middle AT 21% 4% 32% 43% 802 Upper AT 26% 3% 28% 42% 723 Lower MS 18% 8% 26% 48% 638 Middle MS 21% 4% 28% 47% 1057 Upper MS 21% 10% 28% 42% 855 Lower CN 20% 5% 29% 45% 828 Middle CN 20% 3% 30% 46% 1847 Upper CN 17% 6% 28% 49% 1379 Lower PC 13% 10% 22% 55% 276 Middle PC 15% 4% 20% 61% 655 Upper PC 20% 5% 27% 48% 761

Duck hunters were asked to indicate how small the daily bag limit would have to be before they would no longer hunt (Table 42). With a 6-duck limit, 2% of respondents would no longer hunt; if a 5-duck limit were implemented, another 3% would be lost; at a 4-duck limit, another 12%; at a 3-duck limit, another 20% would not participate, at a 2duck, another 20% gone, and with a 1-duck limit, additional 7% desertion. The “diehard” group—“I’ll hunt with any size daily bag limit” (36%)—would probably throw their lot in with the 1-duck group, because, in a practical sense, to go afield “to hunt ducks” with a bag limit of “0” probably raises some regulatory issues. Nonetheless, the point of this group was well-taken—that so committed are they to duck hunting, that they’d still go afield with any bag (probably, 1-duck).

32

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report TABLE 42. USA—Q21: “How small would the daily bag limit have to be before you would no longer hunt?” Q21: How small would the daily bag limit have to be before you would no longer hunt?

6 ducks 5 ducks 4 ducks 3 ducks 2 ducks 1 duck I'll hunt with any limit Total

2% 3% 12% 20% 20% 7% 36% 10099

Duck hunters indicated what they thought the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be (Table 43). TABLE 43. Flyway—Q22: “What do you think the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be?”

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q22: What do you think the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be? 3 or more No 0 1 hen 2 hens Total hens opinion 5% 36% 40% 7% 13% 1754 7% 51% 33% 3% 6% 2564 8% 43% 32% 6% 11% 4087 5% 34% 43% 6% 11% 1721 7% 45% 35% 5% 8% 10127

Plurality opinions of Mississippi and Central Flyway hunters were “1 hen,” while the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways were “2 hens.” Questions 23, 24, and 25 (Tables 44-46) were designed to explore duck hunters’ opinions of the frequency and magnitude of regulatory changes and the associated trade-offs. The questions capture options that affect Adaptive Harvest Management protocols. TABLE 44. Flyway—Q23: “Would you be willing to accept an overall smaller bag limit to have fewer species and sex bag limit restriction?”

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q23: Would you be willing to accept an overall smaller bag limit to have fewer species and sex bag limit restrictions? Yes No No opinion Total 32% 39% 29% 1748 35% 43% 23% 2571 31% 45% 23% 4088 32% 48% 20% 1723 33% 43% 24% 10130

33

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report Ringelman (1997) asked this same question (Q23) in an earlier national survey of duck hunters; results are virtually unchanged—in 1995, Yes, 30%; No, 46%; and No opinion, 24%. TABLE 45. Flyway—Q24: “In the past, changes in season lengths were necessary to respond to changing duck populations. In the event of future changes, which would you prefer?”

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q24: In the past, changes in season lengths were necessary to respond to changing duck populations. In the event of future changes, which would you prefer? Most seasons Most seasons either max or intermediate I'm not sure Total min length length 20% 29% 52% 1727 18% 32% 50% 2546 18% 30% 52% 4061 19% 26% 56% 1695 18% 30% 52% 10028

Significantly, the proportion of respondents answering “no opinion” (24% for Q23) and “I’m not sure” (52% for Q24) was higher than for any other questions in the survey. These numbers combined with handwritten comments on the survey forms, indicates that many respondents did not understand the questions and/or the associated tradeoffs. Question 25 (Table 46) asked duck hunters about annual changes to regulations and its affect on their duck hunting satisfaction. TABLE 46. Flyway—Q25: “How does changing bag limits and season lengths from year to year affect your duck hunting satisfaction?”

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q25: How does changing bag limits and season lengths from year to year affect your duck hunting satisfaction? Increases Decreases satisfaction satisfaction No effect Total 7% 67% 26% 1714 6% 67% 27% 2532 5% 70% 26% 3994 4% 66% 30% 1678 5% 68% 27% 9919

34

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report Hunters’ were asked about their use and viewpoint of spinning-wing decoys (Tables 47-48). Note that in some states the use of spinning-wing decoys is restricted or illegal. TABLE 47. Sub-Flyway—Q26: “For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy?”

Sub-Flyway

Lower AT Middle AT Upper AT Lower MS Middle MS Upper MS Lower CN Middle CN Upper CN Lower PC Middle PC Upper PC USA

Q26: For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy? Always Sometimes Never Total 7% 37% 56% 222 6% 32% 62% 779 9% 24% 67% 705 19% 51% 31% 632 16% 54% 29% 1045 12% 35% 53% 845 11% 41% 48% 806 16% 41% 44% 1815 16% 36% 47% 1359 9% 29% 61% 270 11% 53% 36% 646 6% 16% 79% 759 13% 40% 47% 9882

TABLE 48. Sub-Flyway—Q27: “Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys?” q27: Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing

Sub-Flyway

Lower AT Middle AT Upper AT Lower MS Middle MS Upper MS Lower CN Middle CN Upper CN Lower PC Middle PC Upper PC USA

Be allowed 46% 54% 46% 48% 58% 52% 55% 56% 64% 55% 55% 47% 53%

Not be allowed 17% 21% 22% 32% 21% 27% 16% 19% 14% 17% 26% 29% 23%

No opinion 37% 26% 32% 20% 21% 21% 29% 25% 22% 29% 19% 24% 24%

Total 224 788 707 630 1051 847 812 1829 1361 271 647 762 9930

Hunters who think spinning-wing decoys should be allowed are those most prone to use them (71% “sometimes” or “always”) (Table 49). And of those who think spinningwing decoys should not be allowed, 27% “sometimes” use them, and 6%, “always.”

35

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 49. USA—Q27: Opinion of Allowing (or Not) Spinning Wing Decoys, by Use of SpinningWing Decoy in Most Recent Year of Duck Hunting (Q26).

q27: Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys?

Q26: For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy? Always Sometimes Never Total 20% 51% 30% 5190

Should be allowed Should not be allowed

6%

27%

67%

2307

No opinion

4%

29%

67%

2370

13%

40%

47%

9867

Total

Proportions of hunters who thought that spinning-wing decoys should be allowed were reasonably consistent across all categories of annual harvest (from “5 ducks or less” yearly to “over 50 ducks” annually) (Table 50). TABLE 50. USA—Q4: Usual Annual Duck Harvest (Last 5 Years), by Opinion of Allowing (or Not) Spinning-Wing Decoys (Q27).

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year?

5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total

q27: Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys? Should be Should not No opinion Total allowed be allowed 45% 22% 33% 1517 51% 22% 27% 2157 56% 21% 23% 2675 55% 25% 19% 2472 53% 29% 18% 1073 53% 23% 24% 9894

Perhaps most telling, however, were comparisons of ducks usually harvested each year by amount of use of spinning wing decoys (Table 51). For those who harvest 5 ducks or less each year, about 70% “never” use spinning wing decoys; for those who harvest over 50 ducks a year, almost 80% use spinning wing decoys “always” (51%) or “sometimes” (27%). TABLE 51. USA—Q4: Usual Annual Duck Harvest (Last 5 Years), by Frequency of Using Spinning Wing Decoys (Q26).

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year?

5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total

Q26: For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy? Always Sometimes Never Total 7% 22% 72% 1514 9% 34% 57% 2146 13% 42% 46% 2672 15% 50% 35% 2452 22% 51% 27% 1071 13% 40% 47% 9856

36

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

Hunters indicated the trust they put in a wide-ranging list of 12 groups to represent interests of duck hunters like them (Table 52).

TABLE 52. USA—Q28a-Q28l: “How much trust do you put in each of the following to represent interests of duck hunters like you? High Q28a: Waterfowl biologists? Q28b: Commercial interests? Q28c: Legislators? Q28d: Experienced duck hunters? Q28e: All duck hunters? Q28f: General public? Q28g: Commercial duck clubs? Q28h: Conservation groups? Q28i: Flyway Councils? Q28j: Outdoor writers/TV personalities? Q28k: Duck hunting guides? q28l: Wildlife agencies?

Medium

Low

None

Don't know

Total

41%

42%

10%

3%

4%

10038

2%

14%

43%

35%

5%

9995

2%

10%

43%

41%

4%

9972

58%

35%

5%

1%

2%

10001

13% 1%

51% 8%

30% 42%

3% 45%

3% 4%

10016 10021

11%

32%

34%

19%

5%

9997

51%

32%

10%

5%

3%

10079

25%

43%

15%

4%

13%

10001

6%

33%

38%

18%

5%

10019

17%

38%

28%

11%

6%

10067

25%

47%

20%

5%

3%

10063

Mean scores were calculated for each group, and these means were ranked, and word anchors assigned (Table 53). The only group in which hunters placed “high” trust to represent interests of duck hunters was “avid/experienced duck hunters.” A number of other groups, however, were seen positively, including conservation groups (such as “DU, Delta”), waterfowl biologists, Flyway Councils, and wildlife agencies. Seen in a less than high or medium trust role for representing the interests of duck hunters were commercial/business interests, legislators, and the general public.

37

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 53. USA—Q28a-28l: “How much trust do you put in each of the following to represent interests of duck hunters like you?”(Ascending means ranked from high trust (1) to low trust (12), and Word Anchors). N Q28d: Avid/Experienced duck hunters? Q28h: Conservation groups (like DU, Delta)? Q28a: Waterfowl biologists? Q28i: Flyway Councils? q28l: Wildlife agencies? Q28k: Duck hunting guides? Q28e: All duck hunters? Q28g: Commercial duck clubs? Q28j: Outdoor writers/TV personalities? Q28b: Commercial business interests? Q28c: Legislators? Q28f: General public?

(Rank) Mean

Word Anchor

9743

(1) 1.46

High Trust

9317

(2) 1.55

9344

(3) 1.67

8288

(4) 1.87

9243

(5) 1.94

8378

(6) 2.14

9448

(7) 2.18

7643

(8) 2.30

7691

(9) 2.41

5925

(10) 2.69

Low Trust

5448 5098

(11) 2.76 (12) 2.79

Low Trust Low Trust

Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust Medium Trust

Duck hunters use of the internet to look up duck hunting information was measured (Table 54). TABLE 54. USA—Q29: “Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information?” Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information?

Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total

20% 49% 31% 10142

There was no strong relationship between use of the internet to look up duck hunting information, and respondents’ appraisal of changes in overall duck hunting quality over the past 5 years (Table 55).

38

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

TABLE 55. USA—Q13: Observed Changes in Duck Hunting Quality Over Last 5 Years, by Use of Internet to Look Up Duck Hunting Information (Q29).

Q13: What changes have you observed in the overall quality of your duck hunting over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Once in a while Frequently Not at all Total 20% 48% 32% 322 22% 52% 26% 1135 19% 48% 33% 2643 20% 50% 30% 3220 20% 48% 32% 2430 14% 45% 41% 255 20% 49% 31% 10006

Gotten much better Gotten a little better Stayed about the same Gotten a little worse Gotten much worse No opinion Total

Classification variables useful for a variety of cross tabulations in this and future reports included (a) dollars spent on duck hunting each year (Table 56), (b) gender (Table 57), and (c) age (Table 58). TABLE 56. USA—Q30: “About how much do you spend on duck hunting each year?” Q30: About how much do you spend on duck hunting each year?

$250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total

35% 45% 17% 3% 10097

TABLE 57. USA—Q31: “Please indicate your sex:” q31: Please indicate your sex:

Male Female Total

99% 1% 10077

TABLE 58. USA—Q32: “Please indicate your age:” Q32: Please indicate your age:

24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

39

12% 41% 40% 7% 10120

National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 ─ National Report

References Arkin, H. and R.R. Colton, 1963. Tables for statisticians. New York: Barnes & Noble, 168pp. Leonard, J. 2004. Deer hunting in the United States: an analysis of hunter demographics and behavior, USDI Fish and Wildl. Serv., Report 2001-6, 32pp. Miller, C.A. 2003. Use of the internet among Illinois hunters: defining the market. Human dimensions of wildl., 8:307-308 Ringelman, J. (1997). Effects of regulations and duck abundance on duck hunter participation and satisfaction. Proceedings of the Sixty-second North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. Wildlife Management Institute: Washington, D.C. SAS© Institute, 1999. SASOnLineDoc, ver. 8, http://v8doc.sas.com/sashtml/. SPSS, 2003. SPSS 13.0 Brief Guide, SPSS Inc., 233 South Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 231pp. The Gallup Organization, 2002. National survey of drinking and driving attitudes and behavior: 2001. Vol. II-Methods Report, Nov. 2002, The Gallup Organization, 901 F. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 2004. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Dept. of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 116pp+. Witter, D.J., and L. R. Jahn. Emergence of human dimensions in wildlife management. 1998. Trans. N. Am. Nat. Resour. Conf., 63:200-214.

40

Appendix A: Strategy Team and NFC Survey Committee Members Strategy Team Members

Ken Babcock, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Bob Blohm, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Childress, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Bob Ellis, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries David Erickson, Missouri Department of Conservation Tom Hauge, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Randy Kreil, North Dakota Game and Fish Department Wayne MacCallum, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Ralph Morgenweck, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Paul Padding, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Paul Schmidt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ken Williams, U.S. Geological Survey Steve Williams, Wildlife Management Institute Scot Williamson, Wildlife Management Institute Dave Case, D.J. Case & Associates Dan Witter, D.J. Case & Associates

NFC Survey Committee Brad Bales, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Diane Eggeman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Jim Gammonley, Colorado Division of Wildlife Coren Jagnow, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Fred Johnson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Kraege, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Craig A. Miller, Louisiana State University Michael E. O'Meilia, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Paul Padding, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Andy Raedeke, Missouri Department of Conservation Bryan Swift, New York Department of Environmental Conservation Mark Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Dave Case, D.J. Case & Associates Sarah Sanders, D.J. Case & Associates Dan Witter, D.J. Case & Associates

41

Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard

42

Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard

43

Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard

44

Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard

45

Appendix B: National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and Reminder Postcard

46

Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables

Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Vermont Delaware Maryland N=1300 New Jersey Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Florida Georgia North Carolina South Carolina Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin N=1300 Illinois Indiana Iowa N=1300 Kentucky Missouri Ohio Alabama Arkansas N=1300 Louisiana Mississippi Tenn N=1000 Montana-Central North Dakota South Dakota Colorado Kansas Nebraska Wyoming New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Alaska Arizona California Idaho Montana-Pacific Nevada Oregon Utah Washington TOTAL

2900 5700 3100 1900 19500 800 2600 4500 20600 6400 23500 16900 1100 12400 13200 22000 15400 43100 89600 67400 37300 13000 20400 12100 28500 21500 12400 67800 52200 19200 21500 6500 36900 18800 13600 19200 16800 3400 3300 15300 84900 4800 3700 52900 17100 7900 3500 18500 16400 22400 1044400

0.0028 0.0055 0.0030 0.0018 0.0187 0.0008 0.0025 0.0043 0.0197 0.0061 0.0225 0.0162 0.0011 0.0119 0.0126 0.0211 0.0147 0.0413 0.0858 0.0645 0.0357 0.0124 0.0195 0.0116 0.0273 0.0206 0.0119 0.0649 0.0500 0.0184 0.0206 0.0062 0.0353 0.0180 0.0130 0.0184 0.0161 0.0033 0.0032 0.0146 0.0813 0.0046 0.0035 0.0507 0.0164 0.0076 0.0034 0.0177 0.0157 0.0214

Number of Respondents

Adjusted for minimum sample of 100 Names available (successful duck hunters)

SUBF Proportional sample size

State proportion relative to stratum

State

Estimated number of active duck hunters, 2004

Weights applied to each respondent for USA analysis

119 234 127 78 801 33 107 92 423 132 483 347 23 295 314 524 367 323 672 505 421 147 230 137 322 243 107 588 452 166 186 157 890 453 385 543 475 96 48 222 1230 147 113 1617 523 242 107 566 501 685

119 234 127 100 713 100 107 100 1300 132 438 347 100 295 314 524 367 323 672 1300 421 147 1300 137 322 243 108 1300 452 166 1000 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1159 510 1300 1300 147 113 1616 523 242 107 566 501 685

507 2643 2214 1357 13231 754 1842 3336 14197 4159 3160 8944 686 12265 15307 19393 16622 36870 94112 54930 23534 9793 19561 1211 16466 22812 5279 55691 40726 18204 17758 3915 29773 15914 10472 18030 15418 1159 510 13349 75593 3811 3016 1240 12596 4814 2367 16987 11378 19074

51 66 62 41 422 45 44 28 388 62 160 145 31 62 29 51 87 125 233 505 196 67 556 51 125 77 26 347 103 38 136 424 503 483 488 415 541 428 194 401 243 65 33 670 174 79 46 190 203 280

17998

29877

796980

10219

47

USAprop 0.0027767 0.0054577 0.0029682 0.0018192 0.018671 0.000766 0.0024895 0.0043087 0.0197242 0.0061279 0.022501 0.0161815 0.0010532 0.0118728 0.0126388 0.0210647 0.0147453 0.0412677 0.0857909 0.0645347 0.0357143 0.0124473 0.0195327 0.0115856 0.0272884 0.020586 0.0118728 0.0649177 0.0499809 0.0183838 0.020586 0.0062237 0.0353313 0.0180008 0.0130218 0.0183838 0.0160858 0.0032555 0.0031597 0.0146496 0.0812907 0.0045959 0.0035427 0.0506511 0.016373 0.0075642 0.0033512 0.0177135 0.0157028 0.0214477

USAprod 28.375239 55.772022 30.332152 18.590674 190.79902 7.8276522 25.43987 44.030544 201.56205 62.621218 229.93728 165.35915 10.763022 121.32861 129.15626 215.26044 150.68231 421.71476 876.69705 659.4797 364.96429 127.19935 199.60513 118.39324 278.86011 210.36815 121.32861 663.39353 510.75431 187.86365 210.36815 63.599674 361.05046 183.94983 133.07009 187.86365 164.3807 33.267522 32.289065 149.70385 830.70959 46.965913 36.202892 517.6035 167.31607 77.298066 34.245979 181.01446 160.46687 219.17426 10219

USAwgt 0.5563772 0.8450306 0.4892283 0.4534311 0.4521304 0.1739478 0.5781789 1.5725194 0.5194898 1.0100196 1.437108 1.140408 0.3471943 1.9569131 4.4536642 4.2207929 1.7319805 3.3737181 3.7626483 1.3059004 1.8620627 1.8984977 0.359002 2.3214361 2.2308809 2.7320539 4.666485 1.9117969 4.9587797 4.9437804 1.5468247 0.1499992 0.7177942 0.3808485 0.2726846 0.4526835 0.303846 0.0777279 0.1664385 0.3733263 3.418558 0.7225525 1.0970573 0.7725425 0.9615866 0.9784565 0.7444778 0.9527077 0.7904772 0.7827652

Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables Weights applied to each respondent for Flyway analysis State

ATLANTIC Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Vermont Delaware Maryland N=1300 New Jersey Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Florida Georgia North Carolina South Carolina

MISSISSIPPI Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin N=1300 Illinois Indiana Iowa N=1300 Kentucky Missouri Ohio Alabama Arkansas N=1300 Louisiana Mississippi Tenn N=1000

CENTRAL Montana North Dakota South Dakota Colorado Kansas Nebraska Wyoming New Mexico Oklahoma Texas

Estimated number of active duck hunters, 2004

State SUBF proportion Proportional relative to sample stratum size

Adjusted for Names available Number minimum Of (successful duck sample hunters) Respondents of 100

FLYprop

FLYprod

FLYwgt

2900 5700 3100 1900 19500 800 2600 4500

0.0168 0.0330 0.0180 0.0110 0.1130 0.0046 0.0151 0.0261

119 234 127 78 801 33 107 92

119 234 127 100 713 100 107 100

507 2643 2214 1357 13231 754 1842 3336

51 66 62 41 422 45 44 28

0.016812 0.033043 0.017971 0.011014 0.113043 0.004638 0.015072 0.026087

29.82377 58.61913 31.88058 19.53971 200.5391 8.227246 26.73855 46.27826

0.58478 0.888169 0.514203 0.476578 0.475211 0.182828 0.607694 1.652795

20600 6400 23500 16900 1100 12400 13200 22000 15400

0.1194 0.0371 0.1362 0.0980 0.0064 0.0719 0.0765 0.1275 0.0893

423 132 483 347 23 295 314 524 367

1300 132 438 347 100 295 314 524 367

14197 4159 3160 8944 686 12265 15307 19393 16622

388 62 160 145 31 62 29 51 87

0.11942 0.037101 0.136232 0.097971 0.006377 0.071884 0.076522 0.127536 0.089275

211.8516 65.81797 241.6754 173.8006 11.31246 127.5223 135.7496 226.2493 158.3745

0.546009 1.06158 1.510471 1.198625 0.364918 2.056812 4.681019 4.43626 1.820396

172500

1.0000

4499

5417

120617

1774

1

1774

43100 89600

0.09 0.18

323 672

323 672

36870 94112

125 233

0.085178 0.177075

220.1848 457.7391

1.761478 1.964546

67400 37300 13000 20400 12100 28500 21500 12400

0.13 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.06 0.04 0.02

505 421 147 230 137 322 243 107

1300 421 147 1300 137 322 243 108

54930 23534 9793 19561 1211 16466 22812 5279

505 196 67 556 51 125 77 26

0.133202 0.073715 0.025692 0.040316 0.023913 0.056324 0.04249 0.024506

344.3261 190.5543 66.41304 104.2174 61.81522 145.5978 109.837 63.34783

0.681834 0.972216 0.991239 0.187441 1.212063 1.164783 1.426454 2.436455

67800 52200 19200 21500

0.13 0.10 0.04 0.04

588 452 166 186

1300 452 166 1000

55691 40726 18204 17758

347 103 38 136

0.133992 0.103162 0.037945 0.04249

346.3696 266.6739 98.08696 109.837

0.998183 2.589067 2.581236 0.807625

506000

1.00

4499

7891

416947

2585

1

2585

6500 36900 18800 13600 19200 16800 3400 3300 15300 84900

0.03 0.17 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.08 0.02 0.02 0.07 0.39

157 890 453 385 543 475 96 48 222 1230

1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1159 510 1300 1300

3915 29773 15914 10472 18030 15418 1159 510 13349 75593

424 503 483 488 415 541 428 194 401 243

0.029721 0.168724 0.085963 0.062186 0.087791 0.076818 0.015546 0.015089 0.069959 0.388203

122.4508 695.144 354.1655 256.2048 361.701 316.4883 64.05121 62.16735 288.2305 1599.396

218700

1.00

4499

12069

184133

4120

1

4120

48

0.288799 1.381996 0.733262 0.52501 0.871569 0.585006 0.149652 0.32045 0.718779 6.581878

Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables Weights applied to each respondent for Flyway analysis (continued)

State

PACIFIC Alaska Arizona California Idaho Montana Nevada Oregon Utah Washington

TOTAL

Estimated number of active duck hunters, 2004

State proportion relative to stratum

SUBF Proportional sample size

Adjusted for minimum sample of 100

Names available (successful duck hunters)

Number Of Respondents

FLYprop

FLYprod

FLYwgt

4800 3700 52900 17100 7900 3500 18500 16400 22400

0.03 0.03 0.36 0.12 0.05 0.02 0.13 0.11 0.15

147 113 1617 523 242 107 566 501 685

147 113 1616 523 242 107 566 501 685

3811 3016 1240 12596 4814 2367 16987 11378 19074

65 33 670 174 79 46 190 203 280

0.032609 0.025136 0.359375 0.116168 0.053668 0.023777 0.125679 0.111413 0.152174

56.73913 43.73641 625.3125 202.1332 93.38315 41.37228 218.6821 193.8587 264.7826

0.87291 1.325346 0.933302 1.161685 1.182065 0.899397 1.150958 0.954969 0.945652

147200

1.00

4500

4500

75283

1740

1

1740

17997

29877

796980

10219

1044400

49

Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables

Delaware Maryland N=1300 New Jersey Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia

Florida Georgia North Carolina South Carolina

Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin N=1300

Illinois Indiana Iowa N=1300 Kentucky Missouri Ohio

Alabama Arkansas N=1300 Louisiana Mississippi Tenn N=1000

Montana-Central North Dakota South Dakota

Colorado Kansas Nebraska Wyoming

119 234 127 78 801 33 107

119 234 127 100 713 100 107

507 2643 2214 1357 13231 754 1842

51 66 62 41 422 45 44

0.07945205 0.15616438 0.08493151 0.05205479 0.53424658 0.02191781 0.07123288

58.079452 114.15616 62.084932 38.052055 390.53425 16.021918 52.071233

36500

1.00

1500

1500

22548

731

1

731

4500 20600 6400 23500 16900 1100

0.06 0.28 0.09 0.32 0.23 0.02

92 423 132 483 347 23

100 1300 132 438 347 100

3336 14197 4159 3160 8944 686

28 388 62 160 145 31

0.06164384 0.28219178 0.08767123 0.32191781 0.23150685 0.01506849

50.178082 229.70411 71.364384 262.0411 188.44658 12.265753

73000

1.00

1500

2417

34482

814

1

814

12400 13200 22000 15400

0.20 0.21 0.35 0.24

295 314 524 367

295 314 524 367

12265 15307 19393 16622

62 29 51 87

0.1968254 0.20952381 0.34920635 0.24444444

45.073016 47.980952 79.968254 55.977778

63000

1.00

1500

1500

63587

229

1

229

43100 89600 67400

0.22 0.45 0.34

323 672 505

323 672 1300

36870 94112 54930

125 233 505

0.2153923 0.44777611 0.33683158

185.88356 386.43078 290.68566

200100

1.00

1500

2295

185912

863

1

863

37300 13000 20400 12100 28500 21500

0.28 0.10 0.15 0.09 0.21 0.16

421 147 230 137 322 243

421 147 1300 137 322 243

23534 9793 19561 1211 16466 22812

196 67 556 51 125 77

0.28087349 0.09789157 0.15361446 0.09111446 0.21460843 0.16189759

301.09639 104.93976 164.6747 97.674699 230.06024 173.55422

132800

1.00

1500

2570

93377

1072

1

1072

12400 67800 52200 19200 21500

0.07 0.39 0.30 0.11 0.12

107 588 452 166 186

108 1300 452 166 1000

5279 55691 40726 18204 17758

26 347 103 38 136

0.07163489 0.39168111 0.30155979 0.11091854 0.12420566

46.562681 254.59272 196.01386 72.097054 80.73368

1.7908723 0.7336966 1.9030472 1.8972909 0.59363

173100

1.00

1500

3026

137658

650

1

6500 36900 18800

0.10 0.59 0.30

157 890 453

1300 1300 1300

3915 29773 15914

424 503 483

0.10450161 0.59324759 0.3022508

147.34727 836.4791 426.17363

0.3475171 1.6629803 0.8823471

62200

1.00

1500

3900

49602

1410

1

1410

13600 19200 16800 3400

0.26 0.36 0.32 0.06

385 543 475 96

1300 1300 1300 1159

10472 18030 15418 1159

488 415 541 428

0.25660377 0.36226415 0.31698113 0.06415094

480.36226 678.15849 593.38868 120.09057

53000

1.00

1500

5059

45079

1872

1

1872

50

Number of Respondents

0.08 0.16 0.08 0.05 0.53 0.02 0.07

Proportional sample size

2900 5700 3100 1900 19500 800 2600

State proportion relative to stratum

Names available (successful duck hunters)

Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Vermont

Estimated number of active duck hunters, 2004

State

Adjusted for minimum sample of 100

Weights applied to each respondent for Sub-Flyway analysis

SUBFlyprop

SUBFlyprod

SUBFlywgt 1.1388128 1.7296389 1.0013699 0.9280989 0.9254366 0.3560426 1.1834371

1.7920744 0.5920209 1.1510384 1.6377568 1.2996316 0.3956695

0.7269841 1.6545156 1.568005 0.6434227

1.4870685 1.6585012 0.5756152

1.536206 1.5662651 0.2961775 1.9151902 1.8404819 2.2539509

0.9843489 1.6341168 1.0968367 0.2805854

Appendix C: USA, Flyway and Sub-Flyway Weight Tables

California

Utah Arizona Nevada

TOTAL

0.03 0.15 0.82

48 222 1230

510 1300 1300

510 13349 75593

194 401 243

0.03188406 0.14782609 0.82028986

26.718841 123.87826 687.4029

103500

1.00

1500

3110

89452

838

1

838

4800 17100 18500 22400 7900

0.07 0.24 0.26 0.32 0.11

102 363 393 475 168

147 523 566 685 242

3811 12596 16987 19074 4814

65 174 190 280 79

0.0678925 0.24186704 0.26166902 0.31683168 0.11173975

53.499293 190.59123 206.19519 249.66337 88.050919

70700

1.00

1500

2163

57282

788

1

788

52900

1.00

1500

1616

1240

670

1

670

1

52900

1.00

1500

1616

1240

670

1

16400 3700 3500

0.69 0.16 0.15

1042 235 222

501 113 107

11378 3016 2367

203 33 46

0.69491525 0.15677966 0.14830508

195.9661 44.211864 41.822034

0.9653503 1.3397535 0.9091746

23600

1.00

1500

721

16761

282

1

282

18000

29877

796980

10219

1044400

Proportional sample size

3300 15300 84900

State proportion relative to stratum

Names available (successful duck hunters)

Alaska Idaho Oregon Washington Montana-Pacific

Adjusted for minimum sample of 100

New Mexico Oklahoma Texas

Estimated number of active duck hunters, 2004

State

Number of Respondents

Weights applied to each respondent for Sub-Flyway analysis (continued)

51

SUBFlyprop

SUBFlyprod

SUBFlywgt 0.137726 0.3089233 2.8288185

0.823066 1.0953519 1.0852378 0.8916549 1.1145686

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q1: USA: Which of the Ducks, perhaps geese following statements best Only ducks describes your pursuits in Ducks and geese waterfowl hunting? Only geese Neither ducks nor geese Total

Q2: How important is duck hunting to you?

Q3: When did you start hunting ducks?

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year?

Q5: Over the last five years, about how many days did you usually hunt ducks in a year?

Q6: Did you hunt ducks during the 2004-2005 season? Q7: How many of the last 5 years have you hunted ducks?

Most important One of my most important No more important Less important One of my least important Total Before 1970 1970 to 1979 1980 to 1988 1989 to 1996 1997 to 2004 Total 5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total 5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Yes No Total 0 years 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years Total

Column N % 1% 9% 84% 3% 4%

Count 98 1028 9093 274 394

Valid N

10887 Column N % 14% 58% 22% 5% 1%

52

Count 1375 5911 2246 516 76

29% 20% 16% 16% 19%

2911 2045 1619 1629 1979

15% 22% 27% 25% 11%

1552 2214 2752 2534 1115

16% 27% 30% 16% 11%

1623 2759 3019 1677 1097

92% 8%

9388 779

0% 1% 3% 9% 11% 77%

28 81 311 881 1088 7787

Valid N

Missing

0 Missing

10124

95

10184

35

10168

51

10175

44

10167

52

10176

43

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago?

Same number More days Fewer days Wasn't hunting 5 yrs ago Total

Column N % 42% 22% 31% 5%

Valid N

10177

53

Count

10177

Missing

42

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA Q9a consolidated responses to Q9 (“In which state have you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years?”) and Q10 (“Is this state the same as indicated in your current mailing address?”). Counts below are for USA weighted data. Count Q9a: State in which you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years.

AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DE FL GA IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MTCENT MTPAC NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY Total

47 121 663 36 518 133 28 44 121 129 200 167 365 127 188 118 511 30 202 56 422 877 279 188 64 77 215 361 164 19 63 32 34 191 210 150 181 230 8 151 184 210 831 160 165 25 219 659 11 33 10219

54

Column N % .5% 1.2% 6.5% .4% 5.1% 1.3% .3% .4% 1.2% 1.3% 2.0% 1.6% 3.6% 1.2% 1.8% 1.2% 5.0% .3% 2.0% .5% 4.1% 8.6% 2.7% 1.8% .6% .8% 2.1% 3.5% 1.6% .2% .6% .3% .3% 1.9% 2.1% 1.5% 1.8% 2.3% .1% 1.5% 1.8% 2.1% 8.1% 1.6% 1.6% .2% 2.1% 6.5% .1% .3%

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q10: Is this state the same as indicated on your current mailing address?

Yes

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Too low About right Too high No opinion

No

Column N % 95%

Count 9655

5%

460

13% 72% 8%

1329 7229 800

6%

641

Total

Valid N

Missing

10115

104

10000

219

10084

135

10081

138

Total

Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the Q13: What changes have you observed in the overall quality of your duck hunting over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Too short About right Too long No opinion Total Gotten much better Gotten a little better Stayed about the same Gotten a little worse Gotten much worse No opinion Total

55

35% 59% 3% 4%

3480 5909 324 371

3% 11% 26% 32% 24% 3%

324 1140 2653 3241 2456 265

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt?

Q14b: When ducks arrive in area?

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

Column N % 5% 18% 43% 23% 9% 2% 1% 7% 34% 34% 21% 3% 1% 7% 39% 32% 17% 4%

56

Count 489 1840 4267 2316 940 174

Valid N

Missing

10026

193

9954

265

9952

267

118 696 3398 3388 2061 293 111 691 3834 3220 1727 369

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? Q14d: Timing of duck seasons?

Q14e: Overall duck numbers?

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs?

Q14g: Number of places to hunt?

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks?

Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

Column N % 1% 9% 52% 22% 12% 3% 2% 15% 24% 32% 25% 2% 4% 14% 63% 12% 6% 2% 2% 9% 36% 31% 20% 2%

Count 132 937 5185 2168 1221 287

Valid N

Missing

9929

290

9946

273

9942

277

9956

263

9982

237

10033

186

215 1482 2351 3166 2517 217 367 1375 6226 1201 612 160 167 894 3629 3059 2022 184

4% 14% 47% 24% 9% 1%

414 1429 4734 2392 914 101

0% 5% 45% 30% 16% 4%

43 473 4472 3060 1564 420

Q15. Please indicated how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most. (Table follows on next page.)

57

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas?

Q15b: Hunting pressure?

Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas?

Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes?

Q15e: Interference from other hunters?

Q15f: Ducks arriving after season close?

Q15g: Ducks concentrating on fewer areas?

Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total

Column N % 20% 38% 32% 4% 1% 4%

Count 2028 3889 3265 454 114 379

18% 41% 31% 6% 1% 3%

1823 4116 3142 620 116 292

7% 20% 53% 8% 5% 7%

724 1964 5339 800 462 727

17% 27% 38% 5% 2% 12%

1705 2656 3828 485 162 1153

13% 33% 46% 4% 1% 3%

1277 3302 4579 388 149 307

24% 32% 34% 3% 2% 6%

2417 3174 3368 314 157 618

14% 35% 39% 3% 1% 7%

58

Valid N

Missing

10129

90

10109

110

10016

203

9989

230

10001

218

10049

170

10089

130

1455 3517 3920 332 126 739

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA Q16. For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with: Q16a: Number of ducks you saw?

Q16b: Number of ducks you harvested?

Q16c: Timing of duck season?

Q16d: Number of days in duck season?

Q16e: Number of ducks in daily limit?

Q16f: Your overall hunting experience?

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total

Column N % 8% 23% 15% 33% 21%

Count 799 2314 1570 3320 2138

8% 21% 21% 32% 18%

787 2153 2160 3212 1804

7% 18% 37% 27% 11%

695 1851 3745 2670 1114

12% 22% 39% 22% 5%

1179 2223 3896 2212 544

19% 26% 38% 14% 3%

1921 2631 3821 1449 290

15% 33% 20% 24% 8%

1537 3315 1988 2452 814

59

Valid N

Missing

10140

79

10115

104

10074

145

10054

165

10112

107

10104

115

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q17: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a day's hunt to feel satisfied with your harvest?

Q18: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a season to feel satisfied with your harvest?

Column N % 8% 8% 16% 18% 18% 11% 9% 4% 3% 5%

0 1 duck 2 ducks 3 ducks 4 ducks 5 ducks 6 ducks 7 ducks More than 7 ducks No opinion Total 5 ducks or less Between 6 and 10 ducks Between 11 and 20 ducks Between 21 and 50 ducks More than 50 ducks No opinion Total

8% 12% 26% 30% 12% 11%

Count 3978

Somewhat support

36%

3606

Unsure

Strongly support

Q19b: How much do you support "A shorter season for all ducks to meet needs of ducks with lower population levels?"

Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total

Q19d: How much do you support "Longer season for all ducks, with daily bag limit restrictions for ducks with lower population levels?"

14%

1370

Somewhat oppose

8%

812

Strongly oppose

4%

374

8% 13% 17% 32% 30%

793 1358 1680 3236 3069

43% 37% 9% 7% 3%

4349 3784 963 728 329

38% 31% 15% 11% 5%

3820 3164 1532 1101 527

Total

60

Valid N

Missing

10125

94

9974

245

819 1237 2639 3030 1181 1068

Column N % 39%

Q19a: How much do you support "Closed seasons on ducks with lower population levels so the overall season can be long for more abundant ducks?"

Q19c: How much do you support "Shorter seasons for ducks with lower population levels within a longer season for abundant ducks?"

Count 826 824 1585 1819 1814 1091 892 372 349 553

Valid N

Missing

10141

78

10136

83

10152

67

10143

76

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Column N % Q20: Which one of the 4 options listed in question 19 would you most prefer?

Q21: How small would the daily bag limit have to be before you would no longer hunt?

Q19A, Closed seasons on some but longer overall Q19B, Shorter seasons to meet needs of low-pop ducks Q19C, Shorter low-pop seasons within longer season Q19D. Longer seasons & low-pop bag restrictions Total 6 ducks 5 ducks 4 ducks 3 ducks 2 ducks 1 duck I'll hunt with any limit

Count

20%

1978

6%

621

27%

2765

47%

4692

2% 3% 12% 20% 20%

178 343 1170 1990 2028

7%

738

36%

3652

Total Q22: What do you think the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be?

Q23: Would you be willing to accept an overall smaller bag limit to have fewer species and sex bag limit restrictions? Q24: In the past, changes in season lengths were necessary to respond to changing duck populations. In the event of future changes, which would you prefer?

0 1 hen 2 hens 3 or more hens No opinion Total Yes No No opinion Total Most seasons either max or min length Most seasons intermediate length I'm not sure Total

61

7% 45% 35% 5% 9%

681 4515 3563 494 876

33% 43% 24%

3361 4387 2389

18%

1853

30%

3040

51%

5138

Valid N

Missing

10057

162

10099

120

10128

91

10137

82

10031

188

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA Column N % 5%

Count 539

No effect

68%

6718

Decreases satisfaction

27%

2688

13% 40% 47%

1250 3960 4695

Q25: How does changing bag limits and season lengths from year to year affect your duck hunting satisfaction?

Increases satisfaction

Q26: For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy? q27: Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys?

Always Sometimes Never Total Should be allowed Should not be allowed No opinion Total

Total

53% 23% 24%

Valid N

9945

274

9906

313

9943

276

5232 2330 2382

Q28. How much trust do you put in each of the following to represent interests of duck hunters like you? (Table follows on next page.)

62

Missing

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q28a: Waterfowl biologists?

Q28b: Commercial interests?

Q28c: Legislators?

Q28d: Experienced duck hunters?

Q28e: All duck hunters?

Q28f: General public?

Q28g: Commercial duck clubs?

Q28h: Conservation groups?

Q28i: Flyway Councils?

Q28j: Outdoor writers/TV personalities? Q28k: Duck hunting guides?

q28l: Wildlife agencies?

High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total High Medium Low Total

Column N % 44% 45% 11%

Count 4120 4202 1021

4% 24% 72%

223 1414 4288

3% 18% 79%

155 976 4317

59% 36% 5%

5789 3462 492

14% 54% 32%

1332 5114 3003

2% 16% 82%

121 808 4169

14% 42% 44%

1071 3188 3385

55% 34% 10%

5136 3204 977

31% 52% 18%

2534 4286 1467

8% 43% 49%

604 3296 3792

20% 46% 34%

1671 3872 2835

27% 51% 21%

2522 4743 1978

63

Valid N

Missing

9344

875

5925

4294

5448

4771

9743

476

9448

771

5098

5121

7643

2576

9317

902

8288

1931

7691

2528

8378

1841

9243

976

Appendix D: Results of NDHS for USA

Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: About how much do you spend on duck hunting each year?

q31: Please indicate your sex: Q32: Please indicate your age:

Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total

Column N % 20% 49% 31% 35% 45% 17% 3%

Male Female Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

99% 1% 12% 41% 40% 7%

64

Count 1993 4962 3187

Valid N

Missing

10142

77

10097

122

10077

142

10120

99

3514 4565 1755 263

9929 148 1225 4144 4058 693

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over last Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in Between 6 and 10 ducks season to feel satisfied Between 11 and 20 ducks with harvest? Between 21 and 50 ducks More than 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Most important 1% 4% 12% 26% 40% 14% 11% 14% 23% 7% 14% 17% 13% 12% 3% 14% 7% 4% 8% 17% 33% 10% 14% 13% 14% 13% 14% 27% 12% 8% 14% 4% 13% 29% 45% 14% 19% 14% 12% 11% 14%

65

Q2: How important is duck hunting to you? One of my One of my most least No more Less important important important important 31% 46% 18% 3% 57% 33% 5% 1% 73% 13% 2% 0% 64% 9% 1% 0% 54% 5% 1% 0% 58% 22% 5% 1% 63% 21% 3% 1% 59% 22% 5% 0% 60% 14% 3% 0% 38% 38% 12% 4% 58% 22% 5% 1% 60% 20% 3% 0% 59% 22% 5% 1% 55% 25% 8% 0% 33% 38% 19% 8% 58% 22% 5% 1% 47% 34% 10% 2% 49% 36% 9% 2% 59% 27% 6% 0% 66% 15% 2% 0% 59% 6% 1% 0% 57% 25% 6% 1% 59% 22% 5% 1% 60% 21% 4% 0% 60% 20% 5% 1% 52% 26% 7% 1% 58% 22% 5% 1% 63% 8% 2% 0% 60% 24% 4% 0% 53% 29% 9% 2% 58% 22% 5% 1% 49% 34% 11% 2% 65% 19% 3% 0% 61% 9% 1% 0% 47% 7% 1% 0% 58% 22% 5% 1% 59% 18% 4% 0% 58% 22% 5% 1% 58% 23% 6% 1% 57% 27% 4% 1% 58% 22% 5% 1%

Total 1603 2727 3003 1662 1087 10082 1323 7156 792 637 9909 3449 5863 311 368 9991 807 1224 2618 3006 1167 1058 9882 5190 2311 2353 9854 1976 4933 3141 10049 3475 4536 1737 261 10009 1221 4116 4012 680 10029

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q3: When did you start hunting ducks? Before 1970 1970 to 1979 1980 to 1988 1989 to 1996 1997 to 2004 Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day5 or less 30% 24% 13% 11% 23% usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 27% 20% 15% 15% 22% per year? 11 to 20 27% 20% 17% 17% 18% 21 to 30 29% 17% 18% 19% 17% More than 30 33% 18% 16% 17% 17% Total 29% 20% 16% 16% 19% Q11:Statement which Too low 23% 20% 17% 16% 24% describes your feeling About right 29% 20% 16% 16% 19% about duck bag over la Too high 38% 24% 17% 12% 8% 5 yrs? No opinion 16% 17% 17% 17% 33% Total 28% 20% 16% 16% 19% Q12: Statement which Too short 23% 18% 16% 19% 24% describes your feeling About right 32% 21% 16% 14% 17% about duck season Too long 41% 23% 15% 13% 7% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 21% 15% 13% 17% 34% Total 28% 20% 16% 16% 20% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 27% 19% 14% 12% 28% you need to harvest in Between 6 and 10 ducks 27% 24% 12% 16% 21% season to feel satisfied Between 11 and 20 duck 30% 19% 15% 16% 20% with harvest? Between 21 and 50 duck 29% 20% 17% 16% 19% More than 50 ducks 31% 21% 19% 17% 13% No opinion 25% 20% 19% 17% 19% Total 29% 20% 16% 16% 19% q27: Your view of Be allowed 25% 19% 17% 17% 22% motorized Not be allowed 37% 24% 14% 13% 11% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 27% 18% 16% 17% 21% Total 28% 20% 16% 16% 19% Q29: Do you access th Frequently 20% 19% 18% 21% 22% internet to look up duck Once in a while 24% 20% 18% 16% 21% hunting information? Not at all 41% 20% 11% 13% 15% Total 29% 20% 16% 16% 19% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 26% 19% 14% 16% 26% duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 28% 20% 17% 16% 19% $1001-$5000 33% 22% 18% 17% 10% Over $5000 43% 25% 15% 9% 8% Total 29% 20% 16% 16% 19% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 0% 0% 4% 29% 67% 25-44 2% 23% 30% 24% 21% 45-64 54% 27% 8% 6% 6% 65 or over 92% 4% 2% 1% 1% Total 29% 20% 16% 16% 19%

66

Total 1622 2756 3009 1674 1097 10157 1326 7214 800 641 9981 3467 5903 324 370 10065 819 1237 2636 3019 1180 1066 9958 5215 2322 2374 9912 1990 4940 3178 10108 3506 4545 1748 263 10063 1225 4129 4043 689 10086

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year? 5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total 54% 35% 10% 1% 0% 1617 16% 38% 37% 8% 1% 2752 6% 15% 37% 36% 6% 3010 2% 7% 21% 51% 19% 1674 1% 4% 10% 31% 54% 1090 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10143 14% 23% 27% 27% 10% 1323 14% 22% 28% 25% 11% 7207 10% 17% 25% 32% 17% 797 36% 28% 19% 13% 4% 640 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 9966 15% 22% 29% 24% 10% 3468 14% 22% 27% 26% 11% 5888 16% 16% 21% 23% 25% 324 42% 26% 18% 11% 3% 370 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10050 45% 26% 18% 9% 2% 817 34% 40% 21% 4% 1% 1236 14% 33% 40% 12% 1% 2629 5% 12% 28% 47% 8% 3023 2% 3% 9% 32% 54% 1176 17% 19% 25% 25% 15% 1059 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 9941 13% 21% 29% 26% 11% 5214 15% 20% 25% 27% 14% 2314 21% 25% 26% 20% 8% 2367 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 9894 8% 16% 28% 30% 18% 1988 15% 23% 27% 25% 11% 4931 21% 24% 27% 21% 7% 3173 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10093 30% 31% 26% 11% 2% 3500 9% 21% 31% 29% 10% 4539 4% 9% 22% 39% 26% 1752 5% 3% 14% 32% 47% 260 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10050 16% 22% 25% 25% 11% 1224 12% 21% 29% 26% 12% 4129 17% 23% 26% 24% 10% 4031 19% 21% 26% 25% 9% 687 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10071

67

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

5 or less 14% 15% 10% 32% 16% 12% 17% 14% 41% 16% 36% 37% 17% 5% 2% 18% 16% 13% 17% 21% 16% 7% 16% 22% 16% 30% 10% 4% 4% 16% 13% 14% 19% 17% 16%

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year? 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 26% 30% 16% 14% 28% 30% 17% 10% 22% 33% 18% 17% 28% 20% 12% 7% 27% 30% 16% 11% 27% 31% 19% 11% 28% 29% 16% 10% 22% 32% 14% 17% 28% 18% 6% 7% 27% 30% 16% 11% 31% 21% 7% 5% 39% 16% 5% 3% 40% 30% 10% 4% 19% 41% 25% 10% 5% 22% 31% 39% 25% 29% 15% 14% 27% 30% 16% 11% 27% 32% 17% 11% 25% 26% 19% 13% 29% 28% 13% 8% 27% 30% 17% 11% 22% 32% 23% 16% 27% 31% 16% 10% 30% 27% 13% 8% 27% 30% 16% 11% 36% 22% 9% 3% 26% 35% 19% 10% 15% 34% 25% 22% 8% 24% 22% 42% 27% 30% 16% 11% 24% 27% 21% 16% 27% 32% 17% 10% 27% 29% 15% 10% 30% 29% 13% 12% 27% 30% 16% 11%

68

Total 1319 7218 797 640 9973 3465 5897 324 370 10057 817 1235 2632 3020 1178 1067 9949 5211 2319 2373 9902 1986 4935 3179 10100 3507 4540 1747 263 10056 1217 4131 4045 686 10079

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q6: Did you hunt ducks during the 2004-2005 season? Yes No Total 78% 22% 1622 92% 8% 2750 96% 4% 3002 97% 3% 1673 98% 2% 1093 92% 8% 10140 90% 10% 1324 94% 6% 7211 93% 7% 792 80% 20% 636 92% 8% 9963 92% 8% 3472 93% 7% 5886 92% 8% 320 76% 24% 369 92% 8% 10047 87% 13% 814 90% 10% 1234 92% 8% 2625 94% 6% 3023 97% 3% 1178 89% 11% 1065 92% 8% 9938 94% 6% 5211 91% 9% 2315 89% 11% 2370 92% 8% 9896 97% 3% 1989 92% 8% 4932 89% 11% 3171 92% 8% 10091 87% 13% 3503 94% 6% 4535 98% 2% 1745 99% 1% 263 92% 8% 10047 93% 7% 1224 93% 7% 4128 92% 8% 4034 89% 11% 683 92% 8% 10069

69

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q8: How many days per season are you duck hunting now compared to 5 years ago? Wasn't Same More Fewer hunting 5 Total number days days yrs ago 40% 11% 40% 9% 1614 38% 20% 36% 6% 2754 42% 24% 30% 4% 3012 44% 27% 26% 3% 1674 51% 30% 17% 3% 1097 42% 22% 31% 5% 10150 43% 26% 26% 5% 1329 43% 22% 30% 5% 7214 41% 15% 42% 1% 797 32% 14% 38% 16% 638 42% 22% 31% 5% 9977 40% 26% 29% 6% 3470 44% 21% 31% 4% 5899 42% 13% 41% 4% 323 36% 12% 32% 20% 368 42% 22% 31% 5% 10061 44% 18% 31% 8% 814 45% 19% 30% 6% 1232 40% 19% 34% 6% 2631 41% 26% 29% 4% 3027 46% 26% 26% 2% 1179 41% 17% 35% 7% 1067 42% 22% 31% 5% 9949 41% 25% 29% 6% 5219 44% 17% 37% 3% 2318 42% 21% 31% 6% 2370 42% 22% 31% 5% 9908 40% 32% 24% 5% 1990 41% 21% 32% 6% 4934 45% 16% 34% 5% 3180 42% 22% 31% 5% 10104 41% 16% 34% 9% 3494 41% 24% 31% 4% 4549 45% 27% 26% 2% 1752 58% 23% 18% 0% 261 42% 22% 31% 5% 10057 29% 38% 16% 17% 1219 40% 22% 32% 5% 4133 47% 18% 33% 2% 4038 50% 12% 37% 1% 689 42% 22% 31% 5% 10079

70

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over the last five years, about how many days did you usually hunt ducks in a year?

Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Q18: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a season to feel satisfied with your harvest?

q27: Which of the following best describes your viewpoint about motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: About how much do you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Please indicate your age:

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the tota aily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Too low About right Too high No opinion Total 5 or less 12% 70% 5% 13% 1576 6 to 10 13% 74% 6% 7% 2718 11 to 20 13% 74% 9% 4% 2963 21 to 30 13% 74% 9% 5% 1643 >30 17% 66% 12% 4% 1073 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9973 Too short 24% 67% 3% 6% 3442 About right 8% 80% 9% 4% 5848 Too long 2% 39% 54% 5% 320 No opinion 5% 34% 4% 57% 368 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9978 5 ducks or less 4% 78% 7% 10% 802 Between 6 and 10 ducks 9% 75% 7% 9% 1204 Between 11 and 20 ducks 11% 75% 8% 6% 2582 Between 21 and 50 ducks 18% 70% 8% 4% 2994 More than 50 ducks 21% 68% 9% 3% 1154 No opinion 11% 68% 7% 14% 1049 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9785 Be allowed 17% 74% 5% 5% 5122 Not be allowed 7% 71% 17% 5% 2281 No opinion 11% 71% 7% 12% 2335 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9738 Frequently 13% 72% 11% 4% 1962 Once in a while 13% 73% 8% 6% 4856 Not at all 13% 72% 7% 8% 3108 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9927 $250 or less 12% 73% 5% 10% 3433 $251-$1000 14% 73% 8% 5% 4468 $1001-$5000 13% 73% 12% 2% 1728 Over $5000 17% 65% 14% 4% 253 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9882 24 or under 17% 70% 4% 10% 1199 25-44 14% 72% 7% 7% 4080 45-64 12% 73% 10% 5% 3966 65 or over 10% 75% 11% 5% 658 Total 13% 72% 8% 6% 9904

71

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs? Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 25% 63% 3% 9% 1597 34% 60% 3% 4% 2742 36% 58% 4% 2% 2980 40% 56% 3% 1% 1651 36% 56% 5% 2% 1087 34% 59% 3% 4% 10057 62% 36% 0% 2% 1328 32% 64% 2% 2% 7213 15% 62% 21% 2% 800 30% 35% 3% 33% 637 34% 59% 3% 4% 9978 24% 64% 2% 10% 811 27% 65% 4% 5% 1219 33% 61% 3% 3% 2602 41% 55% 3% 1% 2999 37% 57% 5% 1% 1174 31% 54% 5% 10% 1057 34% 59% 3% 4% 9863 41% 55% 2% 2% 5167 23% 67% 7% 3% 2301 33% 57% 3% 7% 2351 35% 58% 3% 4% 9819 42% 53% 3% 1% 1974 35% 59% 3% 3% 4894 30% 61% 4% 6% 3140 35% 59% 3% 4% 10009 31% 60% 2% 7% 3467 36% 59% 3% 2% 4501 38% 56% 5% 1% 1742 38% 55% 7% 0% 255 35% 59% 3% 4% 9964 46% 47% 1% 6% 1211 37% 57% 3% 3% 4093 31% 62% 4% 3% 4010 21% 70% 4% 5% 672 35% 59% 3% 4% 9986

72

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

3: What changes have you observed in the overall quality of your duck hunting over t last 5 years in the state where you hunted most? Gotten much Gotten a little Stayed about Gotten a little Gotten much better better the same worse worse Total Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less 2% 11% 34% 34% 19% 1466 usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 3% 12% 31% 32% 23% 2674 per year? 11 to 20 3% 12% 24% 34% 26% 2933 21 to 30 4% 12% 22% 32% 30% 1644 More than 30 5% 11% 24% 33% 28% 1074 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9792 Q11:Statement which Too low 6% 13% 26% 32% 23% 1301 describes your feeling About right 3% 12% 28% 34% 22% 7091 about duck bag over las Too high 1% 4% 15% 30% 50% 795 5 yrs? No opinion 4% 10% 33% 26% 27% 523 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9710 Q12: Statement which Too short 4% 13% 25% 33% 25% 3410 describes your feeling About right 3% 11% 28% 34% 23% 5789 about duck season Too long 0% 2% 15% 22% 60% 319 (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 2% 13% 34% 30% 20% 274 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9792 Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 4% 17% 37% 28% 14% 755 you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 3% 13% 31% 35% 17% 1187 season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 3% 11% 27% 36% 23% 2539 with harvest? 21-50 ducks 3% 11% 24% 32% 29% 2963 > 50 ducks 4% 8% 20% 30% 37% 1160 No opinion 3% 12% 31% 32% 22% 998 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9602 q27: Your view of Be allowed 4% 14% 28% 32% 23% 5048 motorized Not be allowed 2% 7% 22% 35% 34% 2274 spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 3% 12% 31% 32% 22% 2244 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9567 Q29: Do you access the Frequently 3% 13% 26% 33% 25% 1942 internet to look up duck Once in a while 3% 12% 26% 34% 24% 4771 hunting information? Not at all 3% 10% 29% 32% 26% 3037 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9751 Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 3% 12% 33% 32% 20% 3305 duck hunting each year $251-$1000 3% 12% 25% 34% 25% 4425 $1001-$5000 3% 9% 22% 31% 34% 1716 Over $5000 5% 10% 25% 33% 26% 259 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9706 Q32: Your age: 24 or under 9% 20% 26% 32% 13% 1138 25-44 3% 11% 28% 34% 24% 3998 45-64 2% 10% 26% 32% 29% 3938 65 or over 2% 10% 25% 33% 30% 657 Total 3% 12% 27% 33% 25% 9731

73

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 3% 4% 5% 21 to 30 6% More than 30 9% Total 5% Q11:Statement which Too low 7% describes your feeling About right 5% about duck bag over laToo high 5% 5 yrs? No opinion 6% Total 5% Q12: Statement which Too short 5% describes your feeling About right 5% about duck season Too long 5% (#days) over last 5 yrs No opinion 3% Total 5% Q18: Minimum # duck 5 ducks or less 4% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 4% season to feel satisfied11-20 ducks 3% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 5% > 50 ducks 8% No opinion 6% Total 5% q27: Your view of Be allowed 5% motorized Not be allowed 4% spinning-wing decoys?No opinion 5% Total 5% Q29: Do you access th Frequently 6% internet to look up duc Once in a while 4% hunting information? Not at all 5% Total 5% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 3% duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 5% $1001-$5000 6% Over $5000 17% Total 5% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 6% 25-44 4% 45-64 5% 65 or over 5% Total 5% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, da 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat Much worse better nor worse worse 17% 45% 24% 10% 16% 48% 23% 9% 19% 43% 24% 8% 22% 37% 23% 12% 20% 38% 23% 11% 19% 43% 24% 10% 21% 39% 24% 10% 19% 45% 23% 9% 14% 33% 29% 19% 14% 50% 22% 8% 19% 43% 23% 9% 20% 41% 24% 10% 18% 44% 23% 9% 24% 38% 23% 10% 13% 55% 25% 5% 19% 43% 23% 10% 18% 52% 19% 7% 16% 46% 27% 7% 17% 44% 24% 11% 19% 41% 25% 9% 21% 41% 18% 12% 20% 43% 23% 8% 19% 44% 24% 9% 20% 45% 22% 8% 17% 37% 28% 13% 17% 47% 22% 9% 19% 43% 24% 10% 23% 37% 24% 10% 19% 46% 23% 8% 16% 44% 24% 11% 19% 43% 23% 10% 17% 48% 23% 9% 19% 43% 24% 10% 21% 38% 25% 10% 24% 26% 19% 14% 19% 43% 23% 10% 22% 43% 22% 7% 19% 46% 23% 8% 18% 42% 24% 11% 16% 37% 27% 14% 19% 43% 23% 10%

74

Total 1521 2666 2925 1644 1072 9829 1282 7024 789 562 9657 3378 5738 316 308 9738 771 1204 2555 2951 1143 1016 9639 5059 2263 2281 9602 1932 4794 3062 9788 3350 4418 1722 254 9744 1158 4017 3931 663 9769

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 0% 1% 1% 21 to 30 2% More than 30 2% Total 1% Q11:Statement which Too low 2% describes your feeling About right 1% about duck bag over la Too high 0% 5 yrs? No opinion 3% Total 1% Q12: Statement which Too short 2% describes your feeling About right 1% about duck season Too long 0% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 1% Total 1% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 1% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 1% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 1% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 1% > 50 ducks 2% No opinion 1% Total 1% q27: Your view of Be allowed 1% motorized Not be allowed 1% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 2% Total 1% Q29: Do you access theFrequently 2% internet to look up duck Once in a while 1% hunting information? Not at all 1% Total 1% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 1% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 1% $1001-$5000 1% Over $5000 2% Total 1% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 2% 25-44 1% 45-64 1% 65 or over 1% Total 1% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14b: When ducks arrive in area? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat Much worse better nor worse worse 5% 42% 34% 18% 7% 37% 36% 19% 8% 33% 35% 23% 8% 30% 36% 25% 10% 31% 34% 23% 7% 35% 35% 21% 8% 33% 34% 22% 8% 36% 36% 20% 2% 28% 35% 35% 8% 37% 32% 21% 7% 35% 35% 21% 7% 29% 35% 26% 7% 39% 35% 18% 2% 21% 36% 42% 10% 43% 33% 13% 7% 35% 35% 21% 10% 47% 29% 12% 8% 40% 36% 15% 7% 37% 36% 19% 7% 31% 35% 26% 7% 27% 36% 28% 6% 37% 34% 22% 7% 35% 35% 22% 8% 35% 35% 21% 4% 32% 36% 27% 8% 39% 33% 18% 7% 35% 35% 22% 7% 32% 34% 25% 8% 35% 36% 20% 7% 38% 34% 20% 7% 35% 35% 21% 8% 42% 33% 16% 7% 33% 37% 22% 6% 28% 34% 31% 6% 33% 39% 20% 7% 35% 35% 21% 15% 40% 31% 12% 7% 34% 37% 21% 5% 35% 35% 24% 6% 36% 34% 23% 7% 35% 35% 21%

75

Total 1471 2594 2883 1624 1064 9636 1259 6898 778 539 9473 3308 5647 312 281 9548 737 1163 2502 2935 1127 992 9456 4972 2229 2224 9425 1912 4718 2967 9597 3260 4338 1707 246 9551 1134 3969 3830 642 9575

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 1% 1% 1% 21 to 30 1% More than 30 2% Total 1% Q11:Statement which Too low 2% describes your feeling About right 1% about duck bag over la Too high 0% 5 yrs? No opinion 1% Total 1% Q12: Statement which Too short 1% describes your feeling About right 1% about duck season Too long 0% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 1% Total 1% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 2% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 1% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 1% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 1% > 50 ducks 2% No opinion 1% Total 1% q27: Your view of Be allowed 1% motorized Not be allowed 1% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 1% Total 1% Q29: Do you access th Frequently 1% internet to look up duck Once in a while 1% hunting information? Not at all 1% Total 1% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 1% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 1% $1001-$5000 1% Over $5000 4% Total 1% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 3% 25-44 1% 45-64 1% 65 or over 1% Total 1% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat better nor worse worse 5% 47% 35% 7% 43% 33% 7% 38% 33% 8% 34% 35% 9% 36% 32% 7% 40% 34% 8% 39% 31% 8% 41% 34% 2% 30% 36% 8% 42% 29% 7% 40% 34% 8% 35% 35% 7% 44% 33% 2% 23% 37% 7% 45% 32% 7% 40% 34% 10% 49% 31% 7% 48% 32% 7% 41% 34% 7% 37% 35% 7% 28% 36% 6% 44% 31% 7% 40% 34% 7% 41% 33% 6% 35% 35% 8% 43% 34% 7% 40% 34% 8% 38% 33% 7% 40% 34% 6% 41% 33% 7% 40% 34% 7% 47% 31% 7% 38% 35% 6% 32% 36% 8% 39% 28% 7% 40% 34% 13% 43% 30% 7% 40% 35% 6% 40% 32% 5% 38% 36% 7% 40% 34%

76

Much worse 12% 15% 20% 22% 22% 18% 20% 16% 32% 20% 18% 21% 15% 37% 15% 18% 9% 12% 16% 21% 28% 17% 18% 18% 24% 14% 18% 20% 17% 18% 18% 13% 19% 25% 21% 18% 10% 17% 20% 20% 18%

Total 1420 2588 2876 1621 1054 9560 1262 6842 772 516 9392 3303 5588 309 273 9473 727 1154 2484 2908 1135 982 9390 4942 2213 2188 9344 1898 4676 2944 9518 3213 4325 1691 250 9480 1124 3942 3786 644 9496

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much better 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 4% 1% 2% 1% 1% 3% 1%

Q14d: Timing of duck seasons? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat better nor worse worse 7% 66% 19% 8% 59% 21% 11% 51% 24% 12% 43% 25% 11% 47% 23% 10% 54% 22% 10% 42% 26% 10% 55% 22% 7% 53% 23% 6% 62% 20% 10% 54% 23% 7% 37% 33% 11% 64% 16% 4% 46% 35% 5% 65% 22% 10% 54% 23% 10% 67% 14% 9% 63% 20% 10% 58% 20% 10% 49% 25% 10% 40% 29% 8% 55% 23% 10% 54% 23% 11% 51% 23% 9% 55% 22% 9% 58% 21% 10% 54% 23% 10% 47% 26% 10% 53% 23% 8% 60% 19% 10% 54% 22% 8% 62% 19% 10% 52% 24% 11% 44% 25% 17% 43% 18% 10% 54% 23% 11% 57% 20% 9% 52% 24% 10% 54% 22% 8% 60% 20% 10% 54% 23%

77

Much worse 8% 10% 13% 18% 16% 13% 21% 11% 15% 11% 13% 22% 7% 14% 7% 13% 7% 6% 11% 15% 19% 13% 13% 14% 12% 10% 13% 16% 12% 11% 13% 9% 13% 19% 18% 13% 10% 14% 13% 10% 13%

Total 1467 2583 2886 1621 1061 9619 1264 6893 771 527 9455 3321 5632 296 283 9532 733 1182 2520 2906 1132 980 9452 4984 2219 2203 9406 1904 4704 2970 9579 3259 4339 1690 254 9542 1135 3972 3822 635 9564

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much better 1% 2% 2% 3% 3% 2% 4% 2% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 0% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 5% 2% 1% 2% 2%

Q14e: Overall duck numbers? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat better nor worse worse 16% 26% 34% 15% 26% 33% 15% 23% 33% 14% 23% 31% 17% 22% 31% 15% 24% 33% 18% 25% 29% 16% 25% 34% 7% 12% 29% 13% 29% 32% 15% 24% 33% 16% 26% 30% 15% 23% 34% 4% 14% 28% 14% 33% 31% 15% 24% 33% 23% 30% 29% 18% 25% 35% 16% 24% 33% 13% 23% 33% 10% 19% 30% 15% 29% 32% 15% 24% 33% 17% 25% 32% 11% 19% 34% 15% 26% 33% 15% 24% 33% 14% 24% 34% 16% 24% 32% 15% 25% 32% 15% 24% 33% 17% 27% 32% 15% 23% 34% 12% 21% 30% 18% 23% 30% 15% 24% 33% 23% 25% 30% 14% 25% 33% 14% 23% 33% 12% 24% 32% 15% 24% 32%

78

Much worse 22% 24% 27% 29% 27% 26% 25% 23% 52% 24% 26% 25% 25% 54% 20% 26% 15% 20% 25% 29% 38% 21% 26% 23% 34% 23% 26% 26% 26% 26% 26% 22% 26% 34% 27% 26% 16% 25% 29% 30% 26%

Total 1476 2624 2915 1632 1060 9706 1271 6946 782 545 9544 3343 5675 309 294 9622 751 1185 2550 2915 1135 993 9529 5006 2247 2240 9493 1912 4731 3019 9662 3285 4383 1696 254 9618 1139 3986 3857 656 9638

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 2% 2% 4% 21 to 30 5% More than 30 8% Total 4% Q11:Statement which Too low 4% describes your feeling About right 4% about duck bag over las Too high 4% 5 yrs? No opinion 6% Total 4% Q12: Statement which Too short 5% describes your feeling About right 3% about duck season Too long 4% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 5% Total 4% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 4% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 3% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 3% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 4% > 50 ducks 5% No opinion 3% Total 4% q27: Your view of Be allowed 4% motorized Not be allowed 3% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 4% Total 4% Q29: Do you access the Frequently 5% internet to look up duck Once in a while 3% hunting information? Not at all 4% Total 4% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 3% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 4% $1001-$5000 5% Over $5000 4% Total 4% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 8% 25-44 4% 45-64 3% 65 or over 2% Total 4% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat Much worse better nor worse worse 10% 67% 15% 6% 12% 66% 13% 6% 15% 63% 12% 6% 18% 60% 10% 7% 16% 60% 10% 6% 14% 64% 12% 6% 13% 58% 15% 10% 15% 65% 12% 5% 10% 66% 12% 8% 14% 62% 12% 6% 14% 64% 12% 6% 16% 59% 13% 8% 14% 66% 12% 5% 7% 68% 7% 14% 13% 67% 11% 4% 14% 64% 12% 6% 13% 66% 11% 6% 14% 63% 14% 6% 16% 62% 13% 6% 15% 63% 11% 6% 13% 62% 10% 9% 9% 71% 12% 5% 14% 64% 12% 6% 14% 62% 13% 7% 14% 64% 13% 7% 13% 67% 11% 5% 14% 64% 12% 6% 17% 60% 13% 6% 14% 65% 12% 6% 12% 64% 13% 7% 14% 64% 12% 6% 14% 65% 13% 5% 15% 63% 12% 6% 11% 64% 12% 8% 14% 56% 13% 14% 14% 64% 12% 6% 22% 57% 9% 5% 13% 66% 12% 5% 13% 64% 13% 8% 15% 59% 15% 9% 14% 64% 12% 6%

79

Total 1509 2653 2917 1631 1050 9760 1274 6990 775 553 9592 3351 5706 306 308 9671 773 1179 2548 2927 1140 1012 9578 5031 2250 2263 9544 1923 4768 3027 9719 3324 4394 1701 254 9673 1133 4027 3880 659 9699

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 1% 2% 1% 21 to 30 2% More than 30 4% Total 2% Q11:Statement which Too low 2% describes your feeling About right 2% about duck bag over las Too high 1% 5 yrs? No opinion 4% Total 2% Q12: Statement which Too short 1% describes your feeling About right 2% about duck season Too long 1% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 2% Total 2% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 2% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 2% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 1% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 2% > 50 ducks 3% No opinion 1% Total 2% q27: Your view of Be allowed 2% motorized Not be allowed 1% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 2% Total 2% Q29: Do you access the Frequently 2% internet to look up duck Once in a while 2% hunting information? Not at all 2% Total 2% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 2% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 2% $1001-$5000 2% Over $5000 5% Total 2% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 5% 25-44 1% 45-64 1% 65 or over 2% Total 2% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14g: Number of places to hunt? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat Much worse better nor worse worse 7% 38% 34% 19% 8% 37% 34% 20% 10% 38% 32% 19% 10% 38% 26% 24% 11% 35% 26% 24% 9% 37% 31% 21% 9% 30% 32% 27% 10% 38% 31% 19% 7% 37% 31% 24% 8% 38% 30% 20% 9% 37% 31% 21% 9% 34% 31% 25% 10% 38% 32% 18% 8% 44% 25% 22% 6% 42% 33% 17% 9% 37% 31% 21% 10% 40% 31% 17% 9% 36% 34% 19% 8% 36% 34% 20% 10% 37% 30% 21% 9% 39% 24% 25% 7% 39% 33% 20% 9% 37% 31% 20% 10% 38% 31% 19% 8% 34% 34% 24% 10% 38% 30% 20% 9% 37% 31% 21% 11% 34% 29% 23% 10% 37% 32% 19% 7% 39% 31% 22% 9% 37% 31% 21% 9% 39% 32% 18% 9% 35% 33% 21% 9% 37% 28% 24% 9% 43% 20% 23% 9% 37% 31% 21% 15% 37% 27% 16% 9% 37% 32% 21% 8% 37% 32% 22% 9% 39% 28% 22% 9% 37% 31% 21%

80

Total 1498 2644 2928 1627 1050 9747 1271 6950 783 573 9577 3349 5690 305 313 9658 753 1193 2547 2952 1120 1008 9572 5030 2247 2254 9531 1928 4746 3030 9704 3322 4406 1686 246 9660 1156 4010 3878 643 9687

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 3% 3% 3% 21 to 30 6% More than 30 9% Total 4% Q11:Statement which Too low 4% describes your feeling About right 4% about duck bag over las Too high 5% 5 yrs? No opinion 4% Total 4% Q12: Statement which Too short 4% describes your feeling About right 5% about duck season Too long 6% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 3% Total 4% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 3% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 3% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 3% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 4% > 50 ducks 8% No opinion 2% Total 4% q27: Your view of Be allowed 4% motorized Not be allowed 5% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 4% Total 4% Q29: Do you access the Frequently 5% internet to look up duck Once in a while 3% hunting information? Not at all 5% Total 4% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 3% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 4% $1001-$5000 6% Over $5000 13% Total 4% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 4% 25-44 2% 45-64 5% 65 or over 15% Total 4% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat better nor worse worse 6% 41% 32% 12% 46% 29% 15% 51% 22% 20% 49% 20% 22% 53% 13% 14% 48% 24% 14% 43% 27% 15% 49% 24% 16% 48% 21% 7% 51% 23% 14% 48% 24% 15% 42% 28% 14% 51% 22% 16% 50% 20% 6% 54% 23% 14% 48% 24% 12% 46% 26% 11% 43% 30% 12% 48% 27% 18% 49% 23% 18% 51% 17% 14% 51% 19% 14% 48% 24% 15% 49% 24% 15% 46% 25% 13% 46% 24% 14% 48% 24% 18% 48% 21% 14% 47% 27% 13% 49% 22% 15% 48% 24% 10% 48% 27% 16% 47% 25% 19% 50% 20% 25% 46% 9% 15% 48% 24% 19% 46% 23% 11% 47% 27% 15% 49% 24% 26% 46% 9% 15% 48% 24%

81

Much worse 19% 10% 8% 5% 4% 9% 12% 8% 10% 16% 9% 11% 8% 8% 13% 9% 12% 12% 10% 7% 6% 13% 9% 9% 8% 12% 9% 8% 10% 10% 9% 12% 9% 5% 6% 9% 8% 12% 8% 4% 9%

Total 1540 2654 2953 1637 1072 9856 1276 7040 788 579 9684 3374 5755 318 321 9767 774 1203 2555 2966 1147 1030 9675 5083 2270 2286 9639 1941 4793 3081 9816 3371 4426 1722 254 9772 1165 4041 3937 658 9800

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become? (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q14a-Q14i for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much better 0% 1% 0% 21 to 30 0% More than 30 1% Total 0% Q11:Statement which Too low 1% describes your feeling About right 0% about duck bag over las Too high 0% 5 yrs? No opinion 1% Total 0% Q12: Statement which Too short 1% describes your feeling About right 0% about duck season Too long 0% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 2% Total 0% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 1% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 1% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 0% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 0% > 50 ducks 0% No opinion 0% Total 0% q27: Your view of Be allowed 1% motorized Not be allowed 0% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 0% Total 0% Q29: Do you access the Frequently 1% internet to look up duck Once in a while 0% hunting information? Not at all 1% Total 0% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 0% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 1% $1001-$5000 0% Over $5000 0% Total 0% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 2% 25-44 0% 45-64 0% 65 or over 0% Total 0% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting? Somewhat Neither better Somewhat Much worse better nor worse worse 4% 55% 31% 10% 4% 51% 31% 13% 5% 47% 31% 17% 6% 37% 33% 23% 7% 37% 34% 21% 5% 46% 32% 16% 5% 45% 30% 18% 5% 47% 32% 16% 3% 41% 36% 20% 5% 50% 31% 13% 5% 46% 32% 16% 5% 41% 32% 21% 5% 50% 32% 14% 3% 42% 34% 21% 5% 56% 29% 8% 5% 46% 32% 16% 6% 57% 25% 10% 5% 55% 30% 9% 4% 49% 32% 14% 6% 41% 34% 19% 4% 33% 36% 27% 4% 51% 29% 16% 5% 46% 32% 16% 5% 45% 32% 17% 4% 45% 33% 17% 5% 51% 30% 13% 5% 46% 32% 16% 6% 39% 34% 20% 4% 46% 33% 16% 5% 53% 28% 14% 5% 47% 32% 16% 5% 55% 28% 11% 4% 45% 34% 16% 5% 36% 34% 25% 9% 34% 38% 18% 5% 46% 32% 16% 13% 46% 26% 13% 4% 44% 34% 18% 4% 47% 33% 16% 4% 58% 25% 13% 5% 47% 32% 16%

82

Total 1442 2593 2855 1633 1066 9588 1247 6866 780 526 9419 3293 5627 298 283 9500 732 1157 2479 2911 1137 991 9408 4951 2210 2206 9368 1911 4674 2960 9545 3225 4327 1697 252 9500 1117 3945 3825 642 9529

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 12% 17% 20% 27% 34% 21% 21% 20% 31% 21% 21% 24% 19% 24% 18% 21% 14% 14% 19% 22% 32% 22% 21% 21% 24% 18% 21% 27% 20% 18% 21% 17% 21% 27% 29% 21% 23% 24% 17% 19% 21%

Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas? Somewhat Neither more Somewhat more or less less 38% 43% 7% 41% 36% 4% 42% 32% 5% 40% 28% 3% 35% 25% 4% 40% 33% 5% 40% 31% 6% 41% 34% 4% 36% 27% 4% 33% 39% 6% 40% 34% 5% 40% 31% 5% 40% 35% 5% 43% 26% 5% 34% 41% 7% 40% 33% 5% 37% 43% 5% 42% 36% 7% 42% 33% 4% 40% 32% 4% 35% 28% 4% 39% 34% 4% 40% 34% 5% 41% 33% 4% 40% 30% 4% 37% 39% 5% 40% 34% 4% 41% 27% 4% 41% 34% 5% 38% 38% 5% 40% 34% 5% 38% 38% 5% 42% 31% 5% 38% 30% 3% 39% 25% 4% 40% 33% 5% 40% 30% 5% 41% 31% 4% 39% 37% 5% 35% 36% 8% 40% 33% 5%

83

Much less 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 2% 1% 2% 1% 1%

Total 1500 2634 2937 1608 1048 9727 1283 6947 768 557 9554 3347 5672 310 306 9635 774 1183 2553 2926 1122 992 9550 5017 2250 2229 9497 1915 4773 2996 9684 3321 4406 1672 243 9642 1164 3989 3872 637 9661

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, da 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over la Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access th Frequently internet to look up duc Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 9% 15% 18% 25% 31% 19% 17% 17% 33% 17% 19% 20% 17% 30% 16% 18% 13% 11% 16% 21% 29% 18% 18% 18% 24% 15% 19% 24% 17% 17% 19% 14% 19% 23% 27% 18% 18% 20% 17% 20% 19%

Q15b: Hunting pressure? Somewhat Neither more or Somewhat less more less 40% 42% 8% 43% 35% 6% 44% 30% 7% 41% 26% 7% 39% 25% 4% 42% 32% 6% 39% 35% 7% 43% 32% 6% 40% 21% 6% 38% 39% 5% 42% 32% 6% 42% 31% 7% 42% 33% 6% 42% 23% 4% 31% 44% 7% 42% 32% 6% 36% 40% 9% 45% 36% 6% 45% 32% 6% 41% 30% 7% 40% 25% 5% 41% 33% 6% 42% 32% 6% 43% 32% 6% 41% 28% 6% 40% 37% 6% 42% 32% 6% 43% 26% 6% 44% 32% 6% 38% 36% 7% 42% 32% 6% 39% 38% 8% 44% 30% 6% 43% 27% 5% 39% 29% 4% 42% 32% 6% 41% 32% 7% 44% 30% 5% 42% 34% 7% 34% 35% 10% 42% 32% 6%

84

Much less 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1%

Total 1506 2640 2948 1626 1073 9793 1298 6995 790 542 9625 3356 5728 319 301 9703 782 1188 2546 2942 1159 1000 9618 5049 2261 2257 9567 1930 4797 3023 9750 3323 4425 1705 253 9707 1154 4010 3917 645 9726

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over last Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 4% 6% 8% 10% 13% 8% 5% 8% 17% 5% 8% 8% 7% 17% 6% 8% 6% 5% 8% 8% 11% 7% 8% 6% 12% 8% 8% 12% 6% 8% 8% 5% 8% 11% 10% 8% 8% 7% 7% 10% 8%

Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas? Somewhat Neither more Somewhat Much less more or less less 23% 61% 9% 4% 20% 63% 8% 3% 20% 58% 9% 5% 24% 51% 51% 8% 19% 49% 11% 8% 21% 57% 9% 5% 21% 58% 9% 7% 20% 59% 9% 5% 27% 41% 8% 6% 23% 60% 8% 5% 21% 57% 9% 5% 22% 54% 10% 6% 20% 60% 8% 5% 20% 51% 8% 3% 21% 62% 7% 4% 21% 58% 9% 5% 20% 62% 10% 2% 22% 62% 9% 2% 21% 60% 7% 4% 21% 56% 10% 5% 22% 49% 8% 10% 20% 60% 7% 5% 21% 58% 9% 5% 20% 60% 8% 5% 24% 49% 10% 5% 20% 60% 8% 4% 21% 57% 9% 5% 21% 53% 9% 6% 23% 58% 9% 4% 19% 59% 8% 6% 21% 58% 9% 5% 21% 62% 9% 3% 22% 56% 9% 5% 21% 53% 8% 7% 20% 48% 10% 12% 21% 57% 9% 5% 25% 54% 8% 5% 22% 57% 8% 5% 19% 59% 9% 5% 19% 58% 10% 4% 21% 58% 9% 5%

85

Total 1374 2480 2809 1568 1039 9271 1246 6617 753 484 9101 3171 5450 303 266 9190 722 1117 2411 2835 1112 908 9105 4773 2170 2116 9059 1871 4548 2805 9224 3086 4189 1668 246 9189 1113 3815 3683 594 9204

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 14% 16% 20% 24% 24% 19% 18% 18% 32% 20% 19% 21% 18% 31% 12% 19% 11% 15% 18% 20% 30% 18% 19% 18% 25% 16% 19% 23% 17% 20% 19% 15% 19% 26% 27% 19% 16% 18% 21% 23% 19%

Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes? Somewhat Neither more Somewhat Much less more or less less 27% 52% 6% 1% 29% 48% 6% 2% 32% 40% 6% 2% 31% 38% 5% 2% 31% 37% 6% 2% 30% 43% 5% 2% 30% 42% 7% 3% 29% 45% 5% 2% 36% 25% 6% 1% 28% 48% 2% 2% 30% 43% 5% 2% 29% 42% 6% 2% 30% 45% 5% 2% 36% 26% 6% 1% 29% 50% 5% 3% 30% 43% 5% 2% 24% 58% 5% 2% 27% 50% 6% 2% 29% 46% 5% 2% 33% 38% 6% 2% 31% 32% 5% 2% 31% 46% 3% 1% 30% 43% 5% 2% 30% 45% 5% 2% 32% 35% 6% 1% 28% 48% 7% 2% 30% 43% 6% 2% 29% 42% 6% 1% 32% 44% 5% 2% 28% 44% 6% 2% 30% 43% 6% 2% 27% 50% 6% 1% 31% 43% 5% 2% 33% 35% 5% 1% 31% 31% 9% 3% 30% 43% 6% 2% 27% 51% 5% 2% 32% 44% 5% 2% 30% 41% 6% 2% 23% 44% 7% 3% 30% 43% 6% 2%

86

Total 1275 2331 2697 1532 981 8816 1159 6335 734 434 8661 3023 5196 291 228 8738 672 1055 2282 2715 1080 859 8662 4589 2033 1995 8617 1765 4359 2658 8782 2894 4027 1575 245 8741 1065 3611 3515 575 8765

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over las Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 7% 10% 13% 21% 20% 13% 16% 12% 20% 14% 13% 16% 11% 17% 12% 13% 10% 10% 10% 15% 22% 13% 13% 12% 18% 11% 13% 17% 12% 13% 13% 11% 13% 17% 17% 13% 18% 15% 11% 9% 13%

Q15e: Interference from other hunters? Somewhat Neither more Somewhat Much less more or less less 31% 55% 6% 2% 35% 50% 4% 1% 34% 49% 3% 1% 34% 39% 5% 2% 37% 37% 3% 2% 34% 47% 4% 2% 37% 41% 4% 3% 34% 49% 4% 1% 31% 43% 4% 2% 28% 52% 5% 1% 34% 47% 4% 2% 36% 43% 4% 1% 33% 50% 4% 2% 33% 45% 3% 1% 27% 53% 7% 2% 34% 47% 4% 2% 29% 54% 5% 2% 36% 48% 4% 2% 35% 50% 4% 1% 34% 46% 4% 2% 33% 40% 2% 2% 33% 50% 4% 1% 34% 47% 4% 2% 35% 47% 4% 2% 34% 43% 4% 1% 31% 53% 4% 2% 34% 47% 4% 2% 36% 42% 3% 2% 35% 47% 4% 1% 30% 50% 4% 2% 34% 47% 4% 2% 32% 51% 5% 1% 37% 45% 4% 2% 32% 46% 3% 2% 30% 46% 4% 3% 34% 47% 4% 2% 37% 38% 5% 2% 37% 44% 3% 1% 32% 52% 4% 2% 27% 56% 6% 2% 34% 47% 4% 2%

87

Total 1478 2605 2920 1615 1052 9670 1273 6910 772 550 9505 3310 5669 307 294 9580 771 1165 2523 2920 1132 988 9500 4995 2247 2207 9450 1926 4708 2993 9627 3294 4363 1684 244 9586 1144 3981 3838 641 9604

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, da 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over la Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access th Frequently internet to look up duc Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Much more 14% 19% 28% 36% 35% 26% 37% 24% 25% 23% 26% 42% 17% 15% 14% 26% 16% 14% 22% 31% 38% 25% 26% 29% 24% 20% 26% 32% 25% 22% 26% 19% 26% 35% 26% 26% 29% 28% 24% 16% 26%

Q15f: Ducks arriving after season close? Somewhat Neither more or Somewhat less Much less more less 31% 48% 5% 2% 35% 42% 3% 2% 35% 33% 3% 1% 34% 26% 3% 2% 31% 28% 4% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 34% 23% 4% 2% 34% 37% 3% 2% 30% 39% 3% 3% 27% 45% 3% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 39% 16% 2% 1% 30% 47% 4% 2% 35% 40% 6% 4% 35% 46% 3% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 30% 49% 3% 2% 32% 47% 5% 2% 33% 39% 4% 1% 35% 29% 3% 2% 33% 25% 2% 2% 32% 39% 3% 1% 33% 36% 3% 2% 34% 32% 3% 2% 32% 39% 3% 2% 34% 40% 4% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 35% 28% 3% 2% 36% 35% 3% 1% 30% 41% 4% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 31% 44% 4% 2% 36% 33% 3% 1% 33% 28% 3% 1% 33% 36% 3% 2% 34% 36% 3% 2% 30% 35% 4% 2% 36% 32% 3% 1% 32% 39% 4% 2% 37% 42% 3% 3% 34% 36% 3% 2%

88

Total 1336 2536 2869 1617 1050 9407 1247 6740 764 497 9247 3311 5465 295 250 9321 704 1121 2441 2890 1143 931 9231 4891 2181 2125 9197 1893 4617 2855 9365 3129 4274 1672 256 9331 1131 3897 3723 600 9351

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q15. “Please indicate how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most.” (“Don’t Know” Removed from Q15a-Q15g for purposes of this analysis—see USA analysis above for absolute and relative frequencies of those responding “Don’t Know.”)

Much more 10% 12% 16% 21 to 30 22% More than 30 22% Total 16% Q11:Statement which Too low 21% describes your feeling About right 14% about duck bag over las Too high 22% 5 yrs? No opinion 16% Total 16% Q12: Statement which Too short 20% describes your feeling About right 13% about duck season Too long 21% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 15% Total 16% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 11% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 11% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 12% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 17% > 50 ducks 27% No opinion 13% Total 15% q27: Your view of Be allowed 15% motorized Not be allowed 19% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 13% Total 16% Q29: Do you access the Frequently 20% internet to look up duck Once in a while 14% hunting information? Not at all 15% Total 16% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 12% duck hunting each year $251-$1000 16% $1001-$5000 21% Over $5000 25% Total 16% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 14% 25-44 15% 45-64 16% 65 or over 17% Total 16% Q5: Over last 5 yrs, day 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20

Q15g: Ducks concentrating on fewer areas? Somewhat Neither more Somewhat Much less more or less less 36% 48% 4% 1% 38% 46% 4% 1% 39% 42% 3% 1% 37% 35% 4% 2% 36% 36% 4% 2% 38% 42% 4% 1% 37% 38% 4% 1% 38% 43% 4% 1% 42% 31% 3% 2% 31% 48% 3% 1% 38% 42% 4% 1% 38% 38% 3% 1% 38% 44% 4% 2% 30% 40% 6% 2% 34% 45% 3% 2% 38% 42% 4% 1% 34% 49% 4% 1% 35% 49% 4% 1% 39% 44% 3% 1% 40% 38% 3% 1% 36% 29% 5% 3% 34% 49% 3% 1% 38% 42% 4% 1% 37% 43% 3% 1% 42% 34% 4% 2% 35% 47% 4% 2% 38% 42% 4% 1% 38% 37% 3% 2% 41% 41% 3% 1% 32% 47% 5% 1% 38% 42% 4% 1% 35% 49% 4% 1% 40% 40% 4% 1% 39% 34% 3% 2% 31% 38% 3% 3% 38% 42% 4% 1% 38% 42% 4% 2% 40% 41% 3% 1% 36% 43% 4% 2% 35% 42% 4% 2% 38% 42% 4% 1%

89

Total 1379 2487 2826 1602 1037 9331 1238 6700 761 480 9180 3219 5457 305 272 9253 728 1127 2393 2856 1127 921 9153 4851 2147 2110 9108 1884 4568 2832 9285 3097 4255 1652 246 9249 1109 3855 3707 598 9269

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over last Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Very satisfied 6% 6% 9% 7% 11% 8% 8% 8% 5% 8% 8% 7% 9% 3% 6% 8% 11% 9% 7% 6% 8% 9% 8% 9% 7% 8% 8% 10% 7% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 13% 8% 15% 7% 7% 6% 8%

Q16a: Number of ducks you saw? Somewhat Somewhat Very Neutral satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied 22% 22% 32% 18% 23% 16% 35% 19% 22% 13% 33% 22% 23% 14% 33% 23% 26% 13% 27% 23% 23% 15% 33% 21% 26% 15% 30% 22% 23% 16% 34% 19% 16% 8% 31% 39% 19% 25% 27% 21% 23% 15% 33% 21% 22% 14% 33% 23% 24% 16% 33% 19% 14% 10% 31% 42% 20% 26% 31% 16% 23% 15% 33% 21% 28% 23% 28% 11% 26% 16% 32% 17% 23% 15% 34% 20% 21% 14% 34% 25% 18% 11% 32% 30% 23% 18% 32% 18% 23% 16% 33% 21% 23% 16% 32% 20% 21% 11% 35% 26% 23% 19% 32% 18% 23% 16% 33% 21% 23% 15% 31% 22% 23% 15% 35% 20% 22% 16% 31% 23% 23% 15% 33% 21% 24% 18% 33% 18% 22% 15% 34% 21% 22% 13% 31% 27% 23% 17% 23% 24% 23% 15% 33% 21% 28% 18% 27% 12% 23% 16% 33% 21% 21% 14% 34% 24% 22% 15% 33% 25% 23% 16% 33% 21%

90

Total 1616 2741 2997 1671 1089 10113 1324 7190 794 633 9942 3462 5877 319 366 10024 816 1226 2630 3019 1177 1065 9934 5198 2319 2359 9876 1983 4930 3158 10071 3490 4525 1748 263 10026 1210 4127 4028 683 10048

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over last Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Very satisfied 4% 5% 9% 10% 14% 8% 6% 8% 8% 6% 8% 6% 9% 6% 4% 8% 10% 7% 6% 7% 11% 10% 8% 8% 8% 7% 8% 11% 7% 7% 8% 6% 8% 10% 12% 8% 12% 7% 7% 7% 8%

Q16b: Number of ducks you harvested? Somewhat Somewhat Very Neutral satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied 18% 30% 31% 18% 21% 23% 34% 17% 22% 20% 33% 17% 22% 17% 31% 21% 24% 17% 27% 18% 21% 21% 32% 18% 23% 19% 34% 18% 22% 21% 32% 16% 19% 17% 30% 27% 13% 32% 29% 20% 21% 21% 32% 18% 19% 21% 33% 21% 23% 21% 31% 15% 12% 12% 34% 36% 16% 36% 28% 15% 21% 21% 32% 18% 24% 35% 23% 8% 24% 24% 32% 14% 22% 23% 33% 16% 20% 17% 34% 22% 19% 13% 31% 26% 20% 26% 30% 14% 21% 21% 32% 18% 22% 21% 32% 18% 20% 19% 32% 22% 21% 25% 31% 15% 21% 21% 32% 18% 21% 19% 30% 19% 22% 21% 33% 17% 21% 24% 31% 18% 21% 21% 32% 18% 21% 25% 31% 17% 22% 20% 34% 17% 21% 19% 28% 23% 19% 18% 31% 19% 21% 21% 32% 18% 24% 25% 27% 12% 21% 21% 32% 19% 21% 21% 32% 19% 19% 18% 37% 19% 21% 21% 32% 18%

91

Total 1609 2734 2992 1668 1086 10089 1318 7177 791 632 9919 3451 5865 320 366 10001 812 1233 2621 3011 1171 1064 9912 5187 2313 2355 9855 1980 4922 3141 10043 3474 4522 1743 260 9999 1210 4122 4016 672 10020

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Very satisfied 6% 5% 8% 7% 10% 7% 3% 8% 8% 4% 7% 2% 10% 3% 5% 7% 8% 7% 6% 6% 7% 8% 7% 7% 9% 6% 7% 8% 6% 7% 7% 6% 7% 8% 10% 7% 7% 6% 7% 9% 7%

Somewhat satisfied 18% 17% 19% 19% 20% 18% 13% 20% 22% 11% 18% 10% 24% 16% 9% 18% 23% 22% 19% 16% 17% 16% 18% 18% 19% 18% 18% 18% 19% 18% 18% 19% 18% 17% 24% 18% 19% 18% 19% 21% 18%

92

Q16c: Timing of duck season? Somewhat Very Neutral dissatisfied dissatisfied 49% 21% 7% 43% 25% 9% 34% 28% 12% 27% 32% 14% 29% 26% 15% 37% 27% 11% 33% 32% 19% 37% 26% 10% 33% 26% 11% 57% 18% 10% 37% 27% 11% 25% 42% 21% 43% 18% 5% 31% 39% 10% 65% 15% 7% 37% 27% 11% 46% 18% 5% 44% 22% 5% 40% 25% 10% 33% 30% 15% 26% 34% 15% 39% 27% 9% 37% 27% 11% 35% 29% 12% 36% 26% 10% 43% 23% 10% 37% 27% 11% 31% 30% 13% 37% 27% 11% 41% 24% 10% 37% 27% 11% 46% 22% 8% 34% 29% 12% 30% 29% 15% 31% 19% 15% 37% 27% 11% 42% 22% 9% 37% 28% 12% 36% 27% 11% 39% 23% 8% 37% 26% 11%

Total 1600 2714 2989 1662 1082 10048 1313 7148 794 627 9881 3443 5829 320 366 9958 809 1222 2612 3011 1162 1058 9874 5164 2306 2345 9815 1972 4905 3129 10006 3464 4505 1732 262 9963 1206 4110 3996 670 9983

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Very satisfied Q5: Over last 5 yrs, da 5 or less 7% usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 9% per year? 11 to 20 13% 21 to 30 15% More than 30 18% Total 12% Q11:Statement which Too low 4% describes your feeling About right 13% about duck bag over la Too high 20% 5 yrs? No opinion 6% Total 12% Q12: Statement which Too short 2% describes your feeling About right 19% about duck season Too long 5% (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion 5% Total 12% Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less 12% you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks 11% season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks 11% with harvest? 21-50 ducks 12% > 50 ducks 13% No opinion 11% Total 12% q27: Your view of Be allowed 11% motorized Not be allowed 16% spinning-wing decoys? No opinion 10% Total 12% Q29: Do you access th Frequently 14% internet to look up duc Once in a while 11% hunting information? Not at all 11% Total 12% Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less 9% duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 13% $1001-$5000 14% Over $5000 15% Total 12% Q32: Your age: 24 or under 10% 25-44 11% 45-64 13% 65 or over 15% Total 12%

Q16d: Number of days in duck season? Somewhat Somewhat Very Neutral satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied 17% 53% 18% 4% 21% 41% 25% 4% 23% 37% 22% 6% 25% 30% 22% 7% 26% 31% 19% 7% 22% 39% 22% 5% 14% 31% 37% 14% 24% 39% 20% 4% 25% 30% 19% 7% 13% 58% 19% 5% 22% 39% 22% 5% 9% 23% 52% 14% 32% 46% 4% 0% 10% 30% 43% 12% 7% 76% 7% 5% 22% 39% 22% 5% 23% 45% 15% 4% 25% 41% 20% 3% 22% 38% 24% 5% 20% 37% 24% 7% 26% 34% 19% 8% 20% 44% 22% 4% 22% 39% 22% 5% 23% 36% 24% 6% 23% 38% 18% 5% 20% 45% 22% 4% 22% 39% 22% 5% 22% 33% 25% 7% 23% 39% 23% 5% 22% 42% 19% 6% 22% 39% 22% 5% 22% 44% 21% 5% 22% 36% 24% 5% 22% 36% 21% 7% 30% 25% 17% 13% 22% 39% 22% 5% 19% 39% 27% 5% 23% 39% 22% 6% 22% 38% 22% 5% 21% 41% 17% 5% 22% 39% 22% 5%

93

Total 1593 2723 2972 1661 1079 10028 1318 7130 786 629 9863 3436 5821 319 365 9941 799 1220 2616 2992 1165 1056 9847 5150 2298 2344 9793 1974 4891 3123 9988 3457 4508 1722 258 9945 1208 4111 3976 671 9965

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days 5 or less usually hunted ducks 6 to 10 per year? 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Q11:Statement which Too low describes your feeling About right about duck bag over last Too high 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q12: Statement which Too short describes your feeling About right about duck season Too long (#days) over last 5 yrs? No opinion Total Q18: Minimum # ducks 5 ducks or less you need to harvest in 6-10 ducks season to feel satisfied 11-20 ducks with harvest? 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized Not be allowed spinning-wing decoys? No opinion Total Q29: Do you access the Frequently internet to look up duck Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each year? $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total Q32: Your age: 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Very satisfied 13% 15% 22% 24% 24% 19% 2% 24% 14% 9% 19% 13% 24% 15% 8% 19% 21% 17% 19% 19% 20% 19% 19% 18% 24% 17% 19% 23% 18% 18% 19% 16% 19% 24% 23% 19% 17% 18% 20% 20% 19%

Q16e: Number of ducks in daily limit? Somewhat Somewhat Very Neutral satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied 24% 49% 12% 2% 28% 41% 14% 2% 25% 36% 15% 2% 27% 32% 15% 3% 26% 29% 16% 6% 26% 38% 14% 3% 7% 16% 61% 14% 32% 40% 4% 0% 14% 26% 37% 10% 13% 69% 8% 2% 26% 38% 14% 3% 22% 40% 20% 4% 30% 35% 11% 1% 13% 32% 28% 12% 13% 69% 5% 5% 26% 38% 14% 3% 27% 45% 5% 2% 27% 45% 10% 2% 28% 38% 13% 2% 25% 35% 19% 3% 28% 28% 17% 7% 21% 43% 15% 2% 26% 38% 14% 3% 28% 36% 16% 3% 25% 35% 13% 4% 24% 45% 12% 2% 26% 38% 14% 3% 25% 34% 16% 2% 26% 39% 14% 2% 27% 38% 13% 4% 26% 38% 14% 3% 25% 44% 13% 3% 28% 36% 15% 3% 25% 32% 16% 3% 24% 30% 19% 4% 26% 38% 14% 3% 23% 41% 15% 4% 25% 39% 14% 3% 27% 36% 14% 3% 31% 34% 12% 3% 26% 38% 14% 3%

94

Total 1602 2733 2997 1671 1084 10087 1322 7174 792 630 9920 3455 5855 319 367 9996 811 1225 2624 3018 1173 1062 9913 5190 2311 2353 9854 1977 4918 3149 10044 3473 4524 1742 261 10000 1212 4118 4009 681 10021

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32 Q16. “For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:”

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Very satisfied 11% 12% 17% 18% 22% 15% 11% 16% 14% 14% 15% 11% 18% 10% 15% 15% 27% 16% 12% 13% 15% 19% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 17% 15% 15% 15% 14% 15% 15% 23% 15% 27% 13% 14% 16% 15%

Q16f: Your overall hunting experience? Somewhat Somewhat Very Neutral satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied 31% 25% 25% 8% 33% 21% 26% 7% 34% 19% 22% 8% 32% 17% 25% 9% 32% 14% 23% 8% 33% 20% 24% 8% 31% 23% 26% 9% 35% 19% 23% 7% 22% 18% 32% 13% 28% 24% 25% 8% 33% 20% 24% 8% 30% 22% 26% 10% 35% 18% 22% 7% 19% 18% 37% 16% 29% 27% 22% 7% 33% 20% 24% 8% 36% 23% 11% 3% 38% 21% 21% 5% 36% 20% 25% 7% 30% 19% 27% 11% 27% 13% 31% 14% 31% 22% 23% 5% 33% 20% 24% 8% 34% 20% 23% 8% 29% 16% 30% 10% 34% 22% 23% 6% 33% 20% 24% 8% 32% 19% 23% 9% 34% 20% 25% 7% 31% 20% 24% 9% 33% 20% 24% 8% 33% 23% 23% 7% 33% 19% 25% 8% 33% 15% 26% 11% 26% 17% 24% 9% 33% 20% 24% 8% 34% 20% 15% 5% 33% 22% 25% 7% 33% 17% 26% 10% 28% 19% 27% 10% 33% 20% 24% 8%

95

Total 1601 2733 2990 1669 1086 10079 1323 7162 794 632 9911 3452 5851 320 366 9990 806 1224 2625 3019 1172 1058 9904 5182 2312 2349 9843 1977 4913 3145 10035 3478 4519 1738 258 9992 1216 4103 4011 682 10012

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total 5 ducks or less 6-10 ducks 11-20 ducks 21-50 ducks > 50 ducks No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

0 Ducks 10% 9% 8% 7% 9% 9% 2% 10% 7% 15% 9% 6% 10% 7% 18% 9% 49% 10% 4% 2% 2% 17% 9% 7% 10% 9% 9% 8% 9% 8% 9% 10% 8% 7% 7% 9% 10% 9% 8% 5% 9%

Daily harvest to feel satisifed with harvest? 1-2 ducks 3-4 ducks 5-6 ducks 7 or More 32% 36% 18% 5% 30% 37% 18% 6% 24% 38% 23% 7% 19% 41% 23% 10% 16% 40% 22% 13% 25% 38% 21% 8% 9% 21% 36% 33% 27% 40% 20% 4% 34% 53% 5% 0% 31% 29% 19% 6% 25% 38% 21% 8% 20% 34% 28% 12% 28% 40% 18% 5% 25% 54% 11% 3% 40% 30% 10% 2% 25% 38% 21% 8% 37% 7% 7% 1% 54% 25% 6% 4% 30% 48% 16% 2% 13% 45% 30% 10% 5% 37% 35% 22% 26% 34% 16% 7% 25% 38% 21% 8% 22% 37% 24% 10% 29% 40% 15% 5% 30% 37% 19% 5% 25% 38% 21% 8% 24% 39% 21% 8% 25% 38% 21% 7% 26% 37% 21% 8% 25% 38% 21% 8% 31% 37% 17% 5% 24% 37% 23% 8% 18% 43% 22% 10% 13% 38% 24% 19% 25% 38% 21% 8% 26% 32% 21% 11% 24% 37% 21% 8% 26% 39% 21% 6% 26% 46% 19% 4% 25% 38% 21% 8%

96

Total 1519 2595 2844 1587 1003 9547 1263 6809 762 548 9381 3305 5557 291 309 9461 804 1212 2609 2978 1154 614 9371 4959 2185 2178 9323 1880 4643 2984 9507 3276 4271 1670 249 9466 1128 3861 3842 656 9487

Appendix E: Results of NDHS by Selected Classification/Background Variables: Q5, Q11, Q12, Q18, Q27, Q29, Q30, Q32

Q5: Over last 5 yrs, days usually hunted ducks per year?

Q11:Statement which describes your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Q12: Statement which describes your feeling about duck season (#days) over last 5 yrs?

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys? Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Q32: Your age:

5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion Total Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000 Over $5000 Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with 6-10 11-20 21-50 > 50 50 Total 5 or less 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 More than 30 Total Yes No Total 0 years 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years Total Same number More days Fewer days Wasn't hunting 5 yrs ago Total

20% 27% 27% 19% 7% 1764 18% 30% 30% 14% 8% 1766 93% 7% 1762 0% 1% 3% 9% 11% 76% 1766 42% 26% 27% 6% 1765

16% 22% 27% 25% 11% 2578 14% 25% 31% 18% 11% 2575 93% 7% 2574 0% 1% 3% 8% 10% 79% 2575 43% 19% 33% 5% 2574

14% 20% 30% 27% 9% 4089 20% 31% 27% 14% 8% 4105 90% 10% 4101 1% 1% 4% 11% 13% 71% 4099 40% 23% 31% 6% 4108

9% 18% 25% 30% 19% 1724 14% 25% 28% 17% 16% 1730 94% 6% 1729 0% 1% 4% 9% 10% 77% 1733 43% 25% 27% 5% 1732

Q9a consolidated responses to Q9 (“In which state have you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years?”) and Q10 (“Is this state the same as indicated in your current mailing address?”). Counts below are for Flyway weighted data. (Table follows on next page)

127

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway Flyway Atlantic Q9a: State in which you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years.

Missi'ippi

Central

Pacific

Total

AK

0

0

0

57

AL

0

63

0

0

63

AR

0

346

0

0

346

AZ

0

0

0

44

44

CA

0

0

0

625

625

CO

0

0

256

0

256

CT

30

0

0

0

30

DE

46

0

0

0

46

FL

128

0

0

0

128

GA

57

136

0

0

0

136

IA

0

104

0

0

104

ID

0

0

0

202

202

IL

0

191

0

0

191

IN

0

66

0

0

66

KS

0

0

362

0

362

KY

0

62

0

0

62

LA

0

267

0

0

267

MA

32

0

0

0

32

MD

212

0

0

0

212

ME

59

0

0

0

59

MI

0

220

0

0

220

MN

0

458

0

0

458

MO

0

146

0

0

146

MS

0

98

0

0

98

MTCENT

0

0

122

0

122

MTPAC

0

0

0

93

93

NC

226

0

0

0

226

ND

0

0

695

0

695

NE

0

0

316

0

316

NH

20

0

0

0

20

NJ

66

0

0

0

66

NM

0

0

62

0

62

NV

0

0

0

41

41

NY

200

0

0

0

200

OH

0

110

0

0

110

OK

0

0

288

0

288

OR

0

0

0

219

219

PA

242

0

0

0

242

RI

8

0

0

0

8

SC

158

0

0

0

158

SD

0

0

354

0

354

TN

0

110

0

0

110

TX

0

0

1599

0

1599

UT

0

0

0

194

194

VA

174

0

0

0

174

VT

27

0

0

0

27

WA

0

0

0

265

265

WI

0

344

0

0

344

WV

11

0

0

0

11

WY

0

0

64

0

64

1774

2585

4120

1740

10219

Total

128

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q11: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the total daily duck bag limit over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Q12: Which one statement best describes how you feel about the duck season length (number of days in the season) over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most?

Atlantic 18% 69% 5% 8% 1729 46% 50% 1%

Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Too short About right Too long No opinion Total

Q13: What changes have you observed Gotten much better in the overall quality of your duck hunting Gotten a little better over the last 5 years in the state where Stayed about the same you hunted most? Gotten a little worse Gotten much worse No opinion Total

129

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 12% 14% 71% 75% 11% 4% 6% 7% 2531 4042 34% 34% 57% 61% 5% 1%

Pacific 10% 77% 7% 6% 1700 23% 70% 3%

3%

4%

4%

4%

1744

2550

4080

1716

4% 16% 33% 32% 12%

2% 7% 21% 33% 36%

6% 16% 31% 31% 13%

4% 13% 32% 33% 15%

3%

2%

4%

3%

1744

2553

4072

1711

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become?

Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt?

Q14b: When ducks arrive in area?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse

Atlantic 4% 18% 43% 25% 8% 1% 1741 2% 10% 41% 33%

Q14d: Timing of duck seasons?

Q14e: Overall duck numbers?

Pacific 6% 19% 44% 22% 7% 2% 1699 1% 8% 44% 30%

11%

30%

13%

12%

3%

2%

3%

4%

Total

1730

2525

3995

1688

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

2% 10% 49% 25% 9% 4% 1723 2% 13% 51% 22% 9% 3% 1723 3% 20% 27% 31% 16% 3% 1719

1% 5% 30% 36% 25% 3% 2531 1% 8% 47% 25% 17% 3% 2527 1% 10% 18% 33% 36% 1% 2530

2% 8% 43% 32% 11% 3% 3976 2% 10% 55% 21% 9% 3% 3980 5% 21% 29% 28% 14% 3% 3986

1% 9% 48% 27% 10% 5% 1692 1% 10% 66% 13% 7% 3% 1670 3% 17% 30% 32% 14% 3% 1685

Don't know

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area?

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 4% 7% 18% 20% 41% 45% 24% 20% 12% 7% 2% 2% 2543 4028 1% 2% 5% 9% 26% 40% 36% 31%

130

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway Q14. Thinking about changes in hunting quality over the last 5 years in the state were you hunted most, how much better or worse do you think the following have become?

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs?

Q14g: Number of places to hunt?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse

Q14i: Weather patterns for duck hunting?

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 4% 5% 14% 14% 65% 58% 10% 16% 6% 6% 1% 2% 2521 4004 1% 3% 9% 10% 39% 36% 30% 29%

Pacific 2% 11% 61% 15% 8% 2% 1679 1% 8% 36% 33%

25%

19%

20%

19%

2%

2%

2%

3%

Total

1731

2531

3991

1677

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

5% 15% 41% 27% 10% 1% 1736 1% 7% 54% 25% 8% 5% 1747

4% 15% 49% 23% 8% 1% 2535 0% 3% 40% 33% 20% 4% 2545

3% 13% 47% 25% 11% 1% 4013 1% 5% 47% 29% 14% 4% 4028

5% 15% 49% 22% 8% 2% 1681 0% 7% 47% 30% 11% 5% 1695

Don't know

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks?

Atlantic 4% 14% 63% 11% 6% 2% 1729 2% 10% 30% 32%

Q15. Please indicated how much more or less of a problem the following have become over the last 5 years in the state where you hunted most….: (Table follows on next page)

131

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas?

Q15b: Hunting pressure?

Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas?

Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes?

Q15e: Interference from other hunters?

Q15f: Ducks arriving after season close?

Q15g: Ducks concentrating on fewer areas?

Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or less Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total

Atlantic 17% 41% 33% 5% 1% 3% 1759 16% 42% 32% 6% 2% 2% 1750 6% 24% 53% 6% 2% 9% 1743 6% 25% 49% 5% 2% 14% 1725 12% 34% 47% 4% 2% 2% 1734 21% 35% 32% 4% 1% 7% 1738 11% 34% 43% 3% 1% 9% 1750

132

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 22% 16% 38% 35% 31% 38% 4% 5% 1% 1% 3% 4% 2562 4097 20% 15% 41% 38% 30% 35% 6% 7% 1% 1% 2% 4% 2556 4093 8% 7% 20% 20% 53% 55% 8% 8% 5% 3% 7% 7% 2524 4073 26% 10% 30% 25% 29% 45% 5% 5% 1% 2% 9% 12% 2535 4040 13% 12% 33% 32% 46% 46% 4% 4% 1% 2% 3% 4% 2529 4055 30% 19% 34% 29% 28% 40% 3% 4% 2% 2% 5% 7% 2548 4052 18% 11% 37% 33% 34% 43% 3% 4% 1% 1% 6% 8% 2551 4092

Pacific 22% 40% 27% 4% 1% 6% 1717 18% 41% 30% 5% 1% 5% 1718 7% 15% 54% 9% 8% 8% 1701 10% 21% 48% 5% 2% 14% 1684 14% 35% 42% 4% 1% 4% 1693 16% 25% 45% 3% 2% 10% 1704 12% 30% 42% 4% 3% 9% 1707

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway Q16. For the most recent year you hunted in the state where you hunted most, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with:

Q16a: Number of ducks you saw?

Q16b: Number of ducks you harvested?

Q16c: Timing of duck season?

Q16d: Number of days in duck season?

Q16e: Number of ducks in daily limit?

Q16f: Your overall hunting experience?

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neutral Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total

Atlantic 9% 29% 18% 32% 12% 1758 8% 27% 24% 30% 11% 1752 6% 21% 36% 28% 9% 1747 9% 21% 35% 30% 6% 1737 17% 26% 37% 17% 3% 1753 18% 38% 22% 18% 3% 1753

133

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 4% 13% 17% 28% 12% 18% 35% 29% 31% 12% 2568 4093 5% 12% 15% 26% 19% 24% 35% 27% 26% 11% 2563 4091 4% 11% 15% 20% 37% 37% 29% 24% 15% 8% 2546 4085 10% 13% 21% 22% 40% 40% 23% 21% 6% 5% 2548 4080 17% 21% 25% 26% 39% 37% 15% 14% 3% 2% 2562 4083 10% 21% 29% 35% 19% 21% 30% 19% 12% 4% 2560 4086

Pacific 12% 28% 18% 30% 12% 1720 12% 28% 21% 29% 10% 1708 12% 24% 40% 18% 5% 1707 19% 27% 39% 13% 3% 1694 25% 29% 34% 10% 2% 1710 22% 38% 18% 19% 4% 1705

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q17: What is the minimum number of ducks you need to harvest in a day's hunt to feel satisfied with your harvest?

Q18: Minimum # ducks you need to harvest in season to feel satisfied with harvest?

0 1 duck 2 ducks 3 ducks 4 ducks 5 ducks 6 ducks 7 ducks More than 7 ducks No opinion Total 50 ducks No opinion Total

Atlantic 11% 12% 16% 15% 16% 10% 8% 2% 3% 7% 1747 11% 14% 29% 26% 7% 13%

1733

134

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 6% 10% 8% 8% 17% 13% 20% 18% 21% 14% 8% 13% 10% 10% 2% 3% 3% 5% 5% 6% 2565 4098 7% 11% 12% 14% 27% 27% 32% 28% 13% 8% 9% 12%

2525

4018

Pacific 8% 7% 12% 16% 16% 16% 5% 10% 4% 6% 1718 6% 10% 22% 32% 18% 13%

1694

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q19a: How much do you support "Closed seasons on ducks with lower population levels so the overall season can be long for more abundant ducks?"

Strongly support

Q19b: How much do you support "A shorter season for all ducks to meet needs of ducks with lower population levels?"

Atlantic 43%

Q19d: How much do you support "Longer season for all ducks, with daily bag limit restrictions for ducks with lower population levels?" Q20: Which one of the 4 options listed in question 19 would you most prefer?

Pacific 32%

Somewhat support

36%

35%

37%

34%

Unsure

12%

14%

13%

14%

Somewhat oppose

6%

7%

9%

12%

Strongly oppose

3%

3%

3%

8%

Total

1761

2569

4093

1715

Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose

9% 12% 18%

9% 14% 15%

7% 13% 18%

5% 12% 16%

30%

33%

34%

29%

31%

29%

29%

37%

1759

2570

4090

1711

47% 35% 11% 5% 2% 1761 38% 30% 15% 12% 5% 1760 22% 4% 30% 44% 1750

42% 39% 9% 8% 3% 2573 36% 32% 15% 11% 5% 2570 20% 8% 27% 45% 2550

43% 37% 10% 7% 3% 4092 38% 31% 15% 10% 5% 4096 19% 5% 29% 47% 4057

41% 34% 11% 8% 6% 1720 41% 30% 14% 9% 7% 1715 17% 6% 24% 54% 1691

Strongly oppose Total

Q19c: How much do you support "Shorter seasons for ducks with lower population levels within a longer season for abundant ducks?"

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 40% 38%

Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Total Q19A, Closed seasons b t l seasons to Q19B, Shorter t d f llow-pop Q19C, Shorter ithi seasons l Q19D. Longer & lTotal b t i ti

135

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q21: How small would the daily bag limit have to be before you would no longer hunt?

Q22: What do you think the daily bag limit for hen mallards should be?

Q23: Would you be willing to accept an overall smaller bag limit to have fewer species and sex bag limit restrictions?

6 ducks 5 ducks 4 ducks 3 ducks 2 ducks 1 duck I'll hunt with any limit 0 1 hen 2 hens 3 or more hens No opinion

Yes No No opinion Total

Atlantic 1% 2% 9% 15% 19% 11% 43% 5% 36% 40% 7%

Most seasons either max or min length

Q25: How does changing bag limits and season lengths from year to year affect your duck hunting satisfaction?

Increases satisfaction No effect Decreases satisfaction

Most seasons intermediate length I'm not sure

Total

136

Pacific 4% 8% 20% 20% 13% 4% 30% 5% 34% 43% 6%

13%

6%

11%

11%

32% 39% 29% 1748

35% 43% 23% 2571

31% 45% 23% 4088

32% 48% 20% 1723

Atlantic Q24: In the past, changes in season lengths were necessary to respond to changing duck populations. In the event of future changes, which would you prefer?

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 1% 2% 2% 4% 10% 11% 20% 21% 23% 19% 7% 6% 35% 36% 7% 8% 51% 43% 33% 32% 3% 6%

Flyway Missi'ippi Central

Pacific

20%

18%

18%

19%

29%

32%

30%

26%

52%

50%

52%

56%

7% 67%

6% 67%

5% 70%

4% 66%

26%

27%

26%

30%

1714

2532

3994

1678

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Atlantic Q26: For the most recent year you hunted ducks, how often did you use a motorized spinning-wing decoy?

Always

q27: Your view of motorized spinning-wing decoys?

Flyway Missi'ippi Central

Pacific

7%

15%

14%

8%

Sometimes

32%

45%

40%

31%

Never

61%

39%

47%

61%

Be allowed Not be allowed No opinion

49% 20%

52% 27%

58% 16%

51% 26%

31%

21%

26%

23%

Total

1722

2526

3997

1680

137

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q28a: Your Confidence in Waterfowl biologists?

Q28b: Your Confidence in Commercial/Business interests?

Q28c: Your Confidence in Legislators?

Q28d: Your Confidence in Experienced Duck Hunters?

Q28e: Your Confidence in All duck Hunters?

Q28f: Your Confidence in General Public?

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total

Atlantic 42% 42% 10% 2% 4% 1737 2% 14% 43% 36% 5% 1726 2% 9% 43% 41% 4% 1729 60% 33% 4% 1% 2% 1736 15% 53% 27% 3% 3% 1739 1% 7% 42% 47% 3% 1734

138

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 40% 47% 43% 40% 11% 7% 3% 2% 3% 4% 2540 4050 2% 3% 13% 15% 43% 43% 36% 33% 5% 6% 2529 4048 1% 2% 10% 10% 42% 47% 42% 37% 4% 4% 2526 4009 57% 58% 36% 34% 5% 5% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2530 4033 13% 13% 50% 52% 32% 29% 3% 3% 2% 3% 2535 4036 1% 1% 9% 9% 41% 43% 44% 43% 4% 4% 2537 4044

Pacific 36% 40% 13% 4% 6% 1711 2% 15% 41% 35% 7% 1699 1% 7% 42% 44% 5% 1699 59% 32% 5% 0% 3% 1702 14% 50% 29% 3% 3% 1703 1% 6% 40% 50% 4% 1705

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q28g: Your Confidence in Commercial Duck Clubs?

Q28h: Your Confidence in Conservation Groups?

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None

Q28j: Your Confidence in Outdoor writers/TV personalities?

Q28k: Your Confidence in Duck hunting guides?

q28l: Your Confidence in Wildlife Agencies?

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 10% 11% 31% 31% 34% 35% 21% 18% 4% 5% 2528 4036 47% 53% 34% 32% 12% 7%

Pacific 13% 34% 32% 16% 5% 1702 53% 29% 9%

3%

6%

5%

5%

4%

2%

3%

4%

Total

1740

2553

4062

1719

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total

28% 43% 12% 2% 14% 1729 7% 36% 36% 16% 6% 1732 20% 42% 25% 8% 6% 1738 26% 47% 20% 4% 4% 1742

24% 42% 18% 5% 11% 2534 6% 32% 40% 18% 4% 2537 15% 38% 30% 12% 5% 2548 24% 49% 20% 5% 3% 2546

26% 44% 12% 3% 15% 4031 6% 34% 36% 19% 5% 4047 17% 36% 28% 13% 5% 4063 31% 45% 16% 3% 4% 4057

24% 43% 13% 3% 17% 1702 5% 32% 36% 21% 6% 1702 17% 39% 26% 11% 7% 1717 20% 44% 23% 8% 5% 1716

Don't know

Q28i: Your Confidence in Flyway Councils?

Atlantic 12% 32% 33% 16% 6% 1734 59% 27% 7%

139

Appendix F: Results of NDHS by Flyway

Q29: Do you access the internet to look up duck hunting information? Q30: $$ you spend on duck hunting each year?

Frequently Once in a while Not at all Total $250 or less $251-$1000 $1001-$5000

Atlantic 22% 51% 27% 1761 37% 45%

Q32: Your age:

Pacific 18% 45% 36% 1729 30% 42%

16%

18%

12%

23%

2%

3%

2%

5%

Total

1753

2554

4072

1718

Male Female Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

99% 1% 1752 12% 44% 38% 6% 1749

99% 1% 2548 10% 43% 41% 6% 2561

98% 2% 4078 15% 38% 39% 7% 4087

98% 2% 1705 14% 36% 41% 10% 1726

Over $5000

q31: Please indicate your sex:

Flyway Missi'ippi Central 19% 20% 49% 50% 32% 30% 2564 4090 33% 39% 46% 47%

140

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q2: How Most important important is duck 1 of most imp. hunting to you? No more imp. Less imp. 1 of least imp. Total Q3: When did you Before 1970 start hunting 1970 to 1979 ducks? 1980 to 1988 1989 to 1996 1997 to 2004 Total Q4: Over the last 5 or less five years, about 6 to10 how many ducks 11 to 20 did you usually 21 to 50 harvest in a year? >50 Total Q4: Over the last 5 or less five years, about 6 to10 how many ducks 11 to 20 did you usually 21 to 50 harvest in a year? >50 Total Q5: Over last 5 5 or less yrs, days usually 6 to 10 hunted ducks per 11 to 20 year? 21 to 30 More than 30 Total

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 9% 12% 58% 53% 25% 29% 6% 5% 1% 2% 854 834 28% 27% 25% 17% 17% 14%

LAF 14% 62% 19% 5% 1% 229 18% 18% 18%

MAF 13% 61% 21% 5% 0% 805 23% 20% 16%

UAF 11% 63% 23% 3% 0% 725 28% 20% 17%

LMF 20% 60% 15% 5% 0% 643 31% 21% 17%

MMF 17% 60% 18% 4% 0% 1063 26% 19% 17%

MCF 10% 55% 28% 6% 1% 1854 32% 17% 14%

UCF 8% 52% 31% 8% 1% 1397 35% 19% 11%

LPF 14% 56% 25% 4% 0% 282 28% 21% 13%

MPF 21% 62% 14% 3% 1% 655 37% 21% 13%

UPF 9% 59% 25% 6% 1% 779 35% 16% 15%

19%

18%

15%

15%

18%

15%

19%

15%

12%

17%

14%

14%

28%

22%

20%

16%

20%

15%

24%

22%

23%

21%

15%

19%

227

812

731

647

1064

862

837

1869

1404

282

669

785

22% 27% 24% 20% 7% 227 22% 27% 24% 20% 7% 227 19% 30% 31% 13% 6% 227

21% 25% 30% 18% 7% 810 21% 25% 30% 18% 7% 810 17% 28% 30% 16% 9% 812

17% 31% 26% 19% 7% 728 17% 31% 26% 19% 7% 728 16% 33% 30% 12% 9% 728

9% 16% 23% 32% 21% 649 9% 16% 23% 32% 21% 649 10% 17% 32% 23% 18% 649

13% 23% 27% 29% 9% 1066 13% 23% 27% 29% 9% 1066 9% 27% 30% 22% 12% 1064

24% 27% 30% 16% 4% 861 24% 27% 30% 16% 4% 861 21% 31% 31% 12% 5% 860

15% 19% 28% 29% 9% 828 15% 19% 28% 29% 9% 828 21% 31% 26% 16% 7% 838

14% 22% 31% 23% 10% 1866 14% 22% 31% 23% 10% 1866 16% 29% 29% 15% 11% 1859

13% 21% 31% 27% 8% 1404 13% 21% 31% 27% 8% 1404 23% 35% 27% 9% 7% 1400

9% 22% 30% 24% 15% 282 9% 22% 30% 24% 15% 282 12% 28% 27% 13% 19% 280

6% 11% 21% 33% 30% 662 6% 11% 21% 33% 30% 662 11% 18% 27% 21% 23% 667

11% 22% 26% 29% 12% 780 11% 22% 26% 29% 12% 780 18% 29% 29% 15% 10% 783

141

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

MAF 95% 5% 809 0% 0%

UAF 96% 4% 730 0% 0%

LMF 91% 9% 649 0% 1%

MMF 95% 5% 1067 0% 1%

5%

2%

3%

1%

2%

4%

3 years

11%

8%

7%

9%

6%

4 years

10%

12%

10%

10%

5 years

71%

78%

80%

227

814

40% 25% 29% 6% 227

41% 28% 25% 5% 812

Q6: Did you hunt ducks Yes during the 2004-2005 No season? Total Q7: How many of the last 5 years have you hunted ducks?

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 92% 86% 8% 14% 858 838 0% 2% 1% 1%

LAF 90% 10% 227 0% 2%

0 years 1 year 2 years

Total Q8: How many days pe Same season are you duck More hunting now compared Fewer to 5 years ago? 'New' Total

MCF 94% 6% 1859 0% 1%

UCF 93% 7% 1396 0% 0%

LPF 95% 5% 281 0% 0%

MPF 94% 6% 667 0% 1%

UPF 93% 7% 781 0% 1%

3%

4%

4%

4%

3%

4%

8%

13%

9%

9%

8%

6%

11%

9%

11%

14%

10%

12%

10%

9%

10%

78%

83%

77%

67%

76%

75%

77%

81%

74%

729

647

1068

861

835

1863

1399

282

668

783

45% 23% 26% 6% 730

39% 17% 39% 4% 646

45% 24% 27% 5% 1067

44% 18% 32% 6% 861

35% 24% 35% 6% 838

41% 25% 28% 5% 1863

46% 20% 29% 6% 1402

45% 21% 30% 4% 282

45% 28% 24% 4% 666

41% 23% 29% 6% 784

Q9a consolidated responses to Q9 (“In which state have you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years?”) and Q10 (“Is this state the same as indicated in your current mailing address?”). Counts below are for Sub-Flyway weighted data. (Table follows on next page)

142

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway Sub-Flyway LAF Q9a: State in which you hunted ducks most over the last 5 years.

MAF

UAF

LMF

MMF

UMF

LCF

MCF

UCF

LPF

MPF

UPF

Total

AK

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

53

AL

0

0

0

47

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

47

AR

0

0

0

255

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

255

AZ

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

44

0

0

44

CA

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

670

0

670

CO

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

480

0

0

0

0

480

CT

0

0

58

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

58

DE

0

50

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

50

FL

45

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

45

GA

48

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

48

IA

0

0

0

0

165

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

165

ID

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

191

191

IL

0

0

0

0

301

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

301

IN

0

0

0

0

105

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

105

KS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

678

0

0

0

0

678

KY

0

0

0

0

98

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

98

LA

0

0

0

196

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

196

MA

0

0

62

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

62

MD

0

230

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

230

ME

0

0

114

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

114

MI

0

0

0

0

0

186

0

0

0

0

0

0

186

MN

0

0

0

0

0

386

0

0

0

0

0

0

386

MO

0

0

0

0

230

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

230

MS

0

0

0

72

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

72

MTCENT

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

147

0

0

0

147 88

MTPAC

53

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

88

NC

80

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

80

ND

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

836

0

0

0

836

NE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

593

0

0

0

0

593

NH

0

0

38

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

38

NJ

0

71

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

71

NM

0

0

0

0

0

0

27

0

0

0

0

0

27

NV

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

42

0

0

42

NY

0

0

391

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

391

OH

0

0

0

0

174

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

174

OK

0

0

0

0

0

0

124

0

0

0

0

0

124

OR

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

206

206

PA

0

262

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

262

RI

0

0

16

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

16

SC

56

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

56

SD

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

426

0

0

0

426

TN

0

0

0

81

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

81

TX

0

0

0

0

0

0

687

0

0

0

0

0

687

UT

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

196

0

0

196

VA

0

188

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

188

VT

0

0

52

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

52

WA

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

250

250

WI

0

0

0

0

0

291

0

0

0

0

0

0

291

WV

0

12

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

WY

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

120

0

0

0

0

120

229

814

731

650

1072

863

838

1872

1410

282

670

788

10219

Total

143

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q11:Your feeling about duck bag over last 5 yrs?

Too low About right Too high No opinion Total Q12: Your feeling Too short about duck season About right (#days) over last 5 Too long yrs? No opinion Total Q13: Changes in overall quality of your duck hunting over last 5 years?

Much better Little better About same Little worse Much worse No opinion

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 12% 20% 68% 68% 13% 4% 7% 7% 846 829 29% 40% 63% 55% 4% 1%

LAF 24% 61% 3% 11% 225 49% 47% 1%

MAF 14% 73% 7% 5% 787 48% 48% 1%

UAF 16% 76% 3% 6% 714 38% 59% 1%

LMF 17% 67% 11% 5% 640 34% 54% 8%

MMF 8% 79% 8% 6% 1039 43% 52% 2%

MCF 8% 80% 5% 7% 1836 38% 56% 1%

UCF 9% 80% 5% 6% 1364 18% 75% 2%

LPF 7% 82% 6% 5% 272 24% 71% 2%

MPF 13% 73% 9% 5% 661 26% 68% 3%

UPF 8% 79% 7% 6% 768 21% 71% 3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

4%

4%

4%

4%

3%

3%

5%

225

800

720

645

1046

853

836

1853

1380

278

660

778

5% 14% 28% 35% 14%

3% 18% 35% 31% 10%

6% 17% 39% 26% 10%

1% 4% 12% 31% 51%

3% 11% 29% 34% 21%

2% 8% 22% 33% 33%

4% 14% 25% 35% 18%

4% 16% 33% 32% 12%

10% 20% 38% 23% 6%

3% 18% 35% 31% 11%

4% 14% 30% 33% 16%

3% 10% 32% 34% 16%

4%

2%

2%

1%

2%

3%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

4%

226

797

721

646

1046

854

833

1852

1380

280

660

772

Total

144

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

MAF 4% 16% 45% 25% 9% 1% 798 1% 9% 44% 34%

UAF 3% 14% 52% 24% 6% 2% 713 1% 9% 52% 26%

LMF 5% 20% 43% 21% 10% 1% 636 0% 3% 16% 37%

MMF 6% 21% 43% 22% 6% 1% 1041 1% 8% 27% 38%

15%

8%

9%

42%

25%

22%

Don't know

2%

4%

4%

2%

2%

Total

224

792

710

635

3% 10% 44% 26% 12% 5% 222 1% 16% 46% 22% 10% 5% 221 3% 17% 21% 32% 23% 4% 220

1% 9% 53% 25% 7% 4% 790 2% 12% 52% 23% 9% 3% 794 2% 24% 30% 31% 12% 2% 794

1% 12% 52% 24% 6% 4% 712 3% 11% 59% 19% 6% 3% 711 3% 18% 34% 31% 12% 2% 710

0% 2% 21% 38% 35% 3% 637 1% 6% 40% 27% 24% 3% 635 0% 4% 11% 32% 51% 1% 634

Q14a: Duck habitat where I hunt?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Q14b: When Much better ducks arrive Somewhat better in area? Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse

Q14c: Length/time ducks stay in area?

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 2% 6% 14% 14% 38% 49% 28% 21% 16% 8% 3% 2% 860 816 1% 2% 4% 8% 35% 35% 35% 34%

LAF 6% 22% 35% 27% 9% 1% 226 2% 11% 33% 37%

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Q14d: Much better Timing of Somewhat better duck Neither better nor worse seasons? Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Q14e: Much better Overall duck Somewhat better numbers? Neither better nor worse Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

MCF 5% 21% 43% 20% 9% 2% 1836 1% 8% 39% 36%

UCF 9% 27% 39% 19% 5% 1% 1383 3% 12% 51% 23%

LPF 5% 22% 35% 27% 11% 2% 276 3% 10% 51% 24%

MPF 10% 25% 41% 16% 6% 3% 661 2% 10% 46% 30%

UPF 4% 14% 50% 24% 6% 2% 763 1% 7% 40% 33%

17%

13%

7%

9%

9%

16%

3%

4%

3%

3%

4%

4%

3%

1031

851

810

1823

1370

276

650

762

1% 7% 35% 35% 20% 2% 1035 2% 10% 39% 30% 18% 1% 1037 2% 16% 28% 33% 19% 2% 1040

0% 5% 35% 35% 21% 4% 852 1% 8% 59% 19% 10% 3% 850 1% 10% 18% 35% 35% 1% 852

1% 6% 39% 37% 13% 4% 803 1% 9% 49% 26% 11% 4% 804 3% 17% 24% 31% 21% 4% 803

1% 9% 44% 32% 11% 3% 1816 1% 9% 54% 23% 10% 3% 1819 3% 21% 32% 30% 12% 2% 1820

3% 11% 50% 26% 7% 3% 1371 3% 13% 67% 11% 3% 2% 1372 10% 28% 34% 21% 5% 2% 1381

2% 11% 50% 26% 8% 4% 276 2% 10% 71% 10% 5% 2% 272 4% 22% 31% 30% 12% 2% 274

1% 9% 48% 27% 9% 5% 655 2% 14% 56% 16% 8% 4% 649 2% 21% 31% 31% 11% 4% 656

1% 9% 46% 28% 11% 6% 762 1% 8% 72% 11% 6% 3% 750 2% 13% 29% 34% 18% 3% 756

145

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 3% 5% 14% 12% 62% 51% 13% 20% 7% 8% 1% 2% 856 815 0% 3% 6% 8% 37% 39% 36% 29%

LAF 4% 12% 63% 11% 8% 2% 224 3% 12% 30% 31%

MAF 3% 16% 61% 12% 7% 2% 794 2% 9% 30% 31%

UAF 3% 14% 66% 11% 4% 1% 709 1% 7% 30% 36%

LMF 4% 15% 67% 7% 5% 1% 628 1% 8% 41% 27%

MMF 3% 15% 67% 8% 5% 2% 1030 3% 13% 39% 27%

22%

27%

24%

21%

17%

19%

Don't know

2%

2%

2%

1%

2%

Total

222

801

710

633

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor wor Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Q14i: Weather Much better patterns for duck Somewhat better hunting? Neither better nor wor Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total

8% 12% 41% 28% 10% 1% 224 2% 7% 43% 30% 11% 8% 226

3% 17% 40% 28% 10% 1% 799 1% 7% 59% 23% 7% 3% 802

5% 16% 44% 26% 8% 1% 714 1% 7% 62% 20% 5% 6% 716

3% 16% 53% 19% 7% 1% 638 0% 2% 24% 39% 33% 3% 638

Q14f: Ease of understanding regs?

Much better Somewhat better Neither better nor wor Somewhat worse Much worse Don't know Total Q14g: Number o Much better places to hunt? Somewhat better Neither better nor wor Somewhat worse Much worse

Q14h: Time I have to hunt ducks?

MCF 4% 15% 63% 12% 4% 2% 1813 2% 12% 32% 29%

UCF 4% 15% 65% 12% 3% 1% 1372 4% 14% 35% 29%

LPF 3% 13% 64% 12% 7% 2% 274 1% 7% 37% 35%

MPF 3% 11% 55% 19% 10% 2% 652 2% 10% 39% 28%

UPF 2% 11% 65% 14% 7% 2% 754 0% 6% 33% 36%

19%

23%

18%

17%

17%

22%

2%

2%

2%

0%

2%

5%

2%

1039

855

807

1818

1377

275

651

752

5% 15% 46% 26% 8% 1% 1037 0% 5% 42% 35% 17% 2% 1044

4% 14% 48% 25% 9% 1% 852 0% 3% 52% 27% 11% 6% 858

2% 12% 49% 23% 13% 1% 813 0% 4% 42% 31% 18% 4% 816

5% 14% 44% 26% 10% 1% 1824 1% 4% 41% 34% 17% 4% 1830

3% 13% 47% 26% 9% 1% 1380 1% 8% 59% 23% 6% 4% 1387

2% 13% 49% 25% 9% 2% 272 1% 11% 49% 25% 10% 5% 277

7% 18% 46% 21% 7% 2% 654 1% 10% 48% 30% 7% 4% 660

5% 13% 51% 21% 8% 1% 756 0% 4% 45% 32% 14% 5% 759

146

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q15a: Crowding at hunting areas?

Q15b: Hunting pressure?

Q15c: Ducks unable to find rest areas?

Q15d: Shifting duck migration routes?

Much more Somewhat more Neither more or les Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or les Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or les Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Much more Somewhat more Neither more or les Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total

LAF 20% 40% 33% 3% 1% 3% 227 18% 45% 28% 4% 2% 3% 224 6% 29% 45% 5% 3% 11% 225 10% 30% 40% 5% 2% 14% 222

MAF 17% 43% 32% 4% 1% 3% 809 16% 43% 33% 5% 1% 2% 807 7% 22% 55% 7% 2% 6% 799 4% 24% 54% 4% 1% 13% 788

UAF 13% 38% 37% 9% 2% 1% 725 11% 37% 36% 11% 2% 2% 723 4% 17% 61% 7% 2% 9% 720 4% 17% 55% 6% 2% 17% 721

LMF 23% 35% 31% 5% 1% 5% 644 25% 38% 28% 5% 1% 3% 644 11% 18% 47% 9% 8% 7% 633 26% 31% 26% 6% 2% 10% 635

MMF 28% 37% 28% 3% 1% 4% 1056 23% 42% 28% 3% 1% 3% 1052 7% 20% 54% 9% 4% 6% 1041 23% 28% 33% 6% 2% 8% 1038

147

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 17% 15% 42% 32% 32% 42% 5% 5% 1% 1% 2% 4% 859 838 13% 14% 44% 37% 32% 36% 9% 8% 1% 1% 1% 5% 857 837 6% 7% 20% 20% 56% 53% 7% 9% 2% 3% 7% 8% 848 833 28% 14% 29% 24% 29% 38% 3% 5% 1% 3% 10% 16% 856 825

MCF 21% 37% 32% 3% 1% 5% 1858 19% 40% 32% 5% 1% 3% 1857 7% 21% 53% 9% 3% 7% 1843 8% 26% 47% 6% 1% 11% 1830

UCF 14% 38% 38% 6% 2% 2% 1392 15% 37% 35% 8% 3% 2% 1389 7% 17% 60% 7% 4% 5% 1385 5% 24% 57% 5% 1% 8% 1376

LPF 24% 45% 24% 3% 1% 3% 279 21% 41% 30% 4% 1% 3% 278 6% 17% 60% 6% 4% 8% 276 10% 14% 57% 4% 1% 15% 275

MPF 24% 36% 26% 3% 1% 11% 660 21% 41% 27% 4% 1% 6% 658 8% 15% 42% 11% 16% 8% 653 9% 24% 45% 5% 2% 15% 645

UPF 20% 42% 29% 4% 1% 3% 778 16% 41% 32% 6% 1% 4% 781 5% 15% 60% 8% 3% 8% 771 10% 22% 47% 5% 2% 14% 763

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 12% 11% 35% 30% 45% 47% 5% 4% 1% 2% 2% 5% 854 830 18% 25% 30% 34% 40% 30% 3% 3%

LAF 13% 34% 46% 3% 1% 2% 224 26% 39% 21% 4%

MAF 11% 36% 45% 4% 1% 3% 798 22% 34% 35% 3%

UAF 9% 29% 49% 8% 3% 2% 712 11% 30% 44% 5%

LMF 16% 29% 48% 3% 1% 4% 629 40% 35% 17% 2%

MMF 12% 33% 47% 4% 1% 3% 1045 33% 37% 23% 3%

0%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

10%

5%

7%

3%

3%

Total

224

796

720

640

Q15g: Ducks Much more concentrating Somewhat more on fewer Neither more or les areas? Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total

13% 34% 37% 2% 1% 13% 226

10% 34% 46% 3% 1% 6% 801

8% 32% 49% 3% 2% 7% 724

27% 39% 24% 3% 2% 5% 640

Q15e: Interference from other hunters?

Much more Somewhat more Neither more or les Somewhat less Much less Don't know Total Q15f: Ducks Much more arriving after Somewhat more season Neither more or les close? Somewhat less Much less Don't know

MCF 15% 32% 44% 4% 1% 4% 1828 21% 33% 36% 4%

UCF 11% 34% 46% 4% 3% 2% 1381 7% 18% 60% 5%

LPF 15% 39% 39% 3% 1% 4% 278 11% 22% 50% 5%

MPF 16% 34% 40% 4% 2% 4% 647 20% 26% 42% 2%

UPF 12% 34% 45% 4% 2% 3% 767 15% 25% 46% 3%

1%

1%

4%

2%

1%

2%

7%

8%

5%

6%

10%

9%

10%

1048

855

825

1840

1385

277

655

772

15% 38% 38% 3% 1% 5% 1054

12% 36% 41% 3% 1% 7% 855

13% 36% 37% 4% 1% 10% 837

11% 34% 43% 4% 1% 8% 1851

7% 28% 54% 4% 1% 5% 1392

8% 28% 53% 4% 0% 8% 279

15% 30% 35% 5% 6% 9% 654

11% 31% 43% 4% 1% 10% 774

148

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q16a: Number Very satisfied of ducks you Somewhat satisfied saw? Neutral Somewhat dissatisfie Very dissatisfied Total Q16b: Number Very satisfied of ducks you Somewhat satisfied harvested? Neutral Somewhat dissatisfie Very dissatisfied Total Q16c: Timing Very satisfied of duck Somewhat satisfied season? Neutral Somewhat dissatisfie Very dissatisfied Total

LAF 7% 24% 17% 32% 19% 227 6% 25% 19% 33% 17% 227 5% 21% 35% 29% 10% 225

MAF 9% 32% 19% 32% 8% 807 9% 28% 28% 28% 7% 804 5% 20% 36% 30% 9% 801

UAF 9% 33% 18% 31% 9% 726 10% 29% 26% 29% 6% 721 8% 24% 39% 21% 7% 724

LMF 3% 13% 9% 35% 40% 648 4% 10% 16% 35% 35% 645 4% 11% 30% 35% 20% 640

MMF 6% 22% 16% 34% 21% 1058 6% 19% 18% 37% 20% 1057 4% 14% 30% 33% 18% 1049

149

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 4% 8% 18% 23% 13% 17% 36% 34% 29% 17% 858 835 4% 8% 18% 22% 23% 23% 34% 32% 21% 15% 858 835 4% 7% 19% 16% 47% 36% 22% 30% 8% 10% 853 837

MCF 10% 27% 19% 32% 12% 1857 10% 25% 25% 29% 11% 1859 7% 19% 37% 27% 9% 1848

UCF 24% 35% 19% 18% 4% 1396 20% 33% 27% 17% 3% 1393 19% 28% 38% 12% 2% 1385

LPF 8% 33% 21% 27% 11% 280 9% 30% 21% 31% 9% 280 9% 23% 50% 15% 3% 279

MPF 13% 29% 19% 29% 9% 664 15% 30% 21% 25% 10% 655 11% 27% 34% 22% 6% 660

UPF 12% 25% 17% 32% 15% 776 11% 26% 20% 32% 11% 773 14% 23% 42% 16% 6% 769

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 9% 9% 23% 19% 44% 42% 21% 25% 4% 6% 853 837 15% 14% 25% 24% 41% 40%

LAF 9% 16% 39% 29% 7% 224 18% 21% 34%

MAF 7% 23% 32% 33% 6% 794 17% 28% 40%

UAF 12% 25% 34% 24% 5% 723 18% 29% 36%

LMF 12% 20% 39% 20% 9% 644 17% 23% 36%

MMF 10% 21% 34% 28% 7% 1044 20% 27% 42%

24%

13%

14%

18%

9%

16%

Very dissatisfied

3%

2%

3%

6%

2%

Total

226

805

725

645

Q16f: Your Very satisfied overall hunting Somewhat satisfied experience? Neutral

15% 31% 24% 24% 5% 226

18% 42% 23% 15% 2% 804

23% 42% 18% 14% 3% 726

7% 21% 16% 36% 19% 644

Q16d: Numbe Very satisfied of days in duc Somewhat satisfied season? Neutral Somewhat dissatisfie Very dissatisfied Total Q16e: Numbe Very satisfied of ducks in Somewhat satisfied daily limit? Neutral Somewhat dissatisfie

Somewhat dissatisfie Very dissatisfied Total

MCF 11% 22% 38% 23% 5% 1841 24% 27% 39%

UCF 21% 29% 37% 11% 1% 1385 29% 29% 32%

LPF 18% 25% 41% 13% 4% 275 24% 29% 39%

MPF 18% 28% 35% 15% 3% 655 24% 32% 29%

UPF 20% 26% 40% 12% 2% 764 26% 27% 37%

19%

8%

8%

7%

12%

9%

3%

3%

1%

1%

0%

4%

2%

1058

858

834

1849

1392

277

661

772

13% 33% 21% 26% 8% 1057

10% 32% 20% 28% 10% 856

17% 31% 23% 22% 6% 834

17% 38% 20% 20% 4% 1848

30% 40% 18% 12% 1% 1394

16% 44% 18% 18% 4% 279

24% 38% 17% 18% 4% 657

22% 36% 18% 19% 4% 769

150

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

LAF Q17: What is the 0 7% minimum 1 duck 8% number of 2 ducks 12% ducks you need 3 ducks 16% to harvest in a 4 ducks 19% day's hunt to 5 ducks feel satisfied 12% with your 6 ducks 9% harvest? 7 ducks 3% More than 7 ducks 6% No opinion 8% Total 225 Q18: Minimum # 50 ducks 9% harvest? No opinion 14% Total

MAF 13% 14% 19% 14% 14% 10% 6% 2% 2% 6% 802 14% 17% 28% 24% 5% 11%

UAF 16% 14% 18% 13% 14% 6% 9% 2% 2% 7% 723 15% 20% 26% 21% 5% 13%

LMF 2% 3% 10% 18% 26% 11% 14% 4% 6% 5% 647 3% 4% 16% 40% 28% 9%

MMF 8% 9% 19% 20% 20% 6% 10% 1% 2% 5% 1059 7% 10% 27% 35% 10% 10%

224

794

716

631

1038

151

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 8% 8% 11% 5% 23% 11% 20% 19% 17% 15% 8% 13% 6% 12% 2% 5% 1% 7% 4% 5% 856 837 10% 10% 20% 10% 36% 25% 24% 32% 3% 11% 7% 12%

851

818

MCF 11% 12% 17% 17% 13% 12% 7% 2% 2% 6% 1849 9% 16% 26% 26% 8% 14%

UCF 13% 8% 14% 19% 14% 15% 8% 2% 2% 7% 1400 14% 17% 30% 24% 4% 11%

LPF 10% 7% 12% 19% 18% 12% 7% 10% 2% 4% 276 8% 11% 28% 30% 13% 11%

MPF 8% 6% 10% 15% 16% 20% 4% 11% 4% 5% 666 4% 5% 17% 35% 28% 11%

UPF 8% 7% 14% 16% 15% 15% 5% 10% 4% 7% 776 7% 12% 23% 30% 12% 15%

1826

1374

275

656

763

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q19a: How much do y Strongly support support "Closed Somewhat support seasons on ducks with Unsure lower population levels so the overall season Somewhat oppose can be long for more abundant ducks?"

Strongly oppose

Q19b: How much do y support "A shorter season for all ducks to meet needs of ducks with lower population levels?"

Strongly support Somewhat support Unsure Somewhat oppose

Total

Strongly oppose Total

Q19c: How much do yoStrongly support support "Shorter Somewhat support seasons for ducks with Unsure lower population levels Somewhat oppose within a longer season for abundant ducks?" Strongly oppose Total Q19d: How much do y Strongly support support "Longer seaso Somewhat support for all ducks, with daily Unsure bag limit restrictions fo Somewhat oppose ducks with lower Strongly oppose population levels?" Total Q20: Which one of the Q19A, Closed seasons options listed in b t l seasons Q19B, Shorter question 19 would you Q19C, t Shorter d f llow-pop most prefer? ithi seasons l Q19D. Longer l b t i ti Total

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 38% 37%

LAF 41%

MAF 43%

UAF 47%

LMF 39%

MMF 46%

MCF 43%

UCF 36%

LPF 29%

MPF 27%

UPF 37%

37%

37%

36%

35%

34%

36%

13%

11%

9%

14%

12%

15%

38%

36%

36%

31%

35%

35%

12%

13%

15%

18%

12%

15%

5%

6%

7%

8%

4%

4%

3%

1%

4%

3%

9%

10%

6%

10%

13%

15%

9%

2%

3%

2%

3%

8%

12%

5%

226

812

726

647

1058

860

837

1854

1392

274

660

780

11% 11% 20%

8% 13% 18%

9% 12% 17%

10% 15% 14%

7% 10% 14%

8% 16% 17%

7% 15% 16%

5% 12% 18%

8% 12% 20%

5% 17% 21%

5% 12% 14%

5% 11% 17%

28%

31%

31%

30%

33%

35%

33%

34%

33%

26%

26%

32%

30%

31%

31%

30%

35%

23%

29%

30%

28%

31%

42%

35%

227

809

725

646

1062

860

836

1850

1392

274

657

779

44% 34% 13% 6% 2% 227 41% 26% 13% 13% 7% 227 20% 5% 28% 47% 226

49% 36% 9% 4% 2% 810 37% 31% 16% 12% 5% 810 21% 4% 32% 43% 802

49% 34% 8% 6% 2% 726 34% 35% 15% 12% 4% 724 26% 3% 28% 42% 723

41% 38% 9% 9% 3% 649 39% 31% 14% 11% 6% 647 18% 8% 26% 48% 638

49% 37% 6% 5% 2% 1061 40% 34% 15% 8% 4% 1060 21% 4% 28% 47% 1057

38% 41% 9% 8% 3% 860 32% 32% 17% 14% 4% 860 21% 10% 28% 42% 855

43% 38% 9% 7% 3% 835 37% 29% 15% 12% 7% 838 20% 5% 29% 45% 828

48% 35% 10% 6% 2% 1853 40% 33% 15% 8% 4% 1852 20% 3% 30% 46% 1847

39% 37% 11% 9% 4% 1398 38% 33% 17% 8% 4% 1395 17% 6% 28% 49% 1379

39% 34% 14% 7% 6% 276 42% 30% 16% 7% 5% 278 13% 10% 22% 55% 276

38% 34% 11% 10% 8% 662 45% 30% 10% 8% 8% 661 15% 4% 20% 61% 655

44% 35% 11% 7% 5% 781 37% 30% 16% 10% 6% 776 20% 5% 27% 48% 761

152

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q21: How small would 6 ducks the daily bag limit have 5 ducks be before you would no 4 ducks longer hunt? 3 ducks 2 ducks 1 duck I'll hunt with any lim Total Q22: What do you think 0 the daily bag limit for he 1 hen mallards should be? 2 hens 3 or more hens No opinion

LAF 1% 2% 11% 15% 16% 14% 41% 225 6% 37% 31% 7%

MAF 1% 3% 8% 14% 22% 8% 44% 810 5% 37% 44% 6%

UAF 3% 2% 8% 15% 18% 9% 45% 724 3% 32% 47% 8%

LMF 2% 3% 10% 23% 21% 6% 36% 648 8% 49% 30% 5%

MMF 1% 2% 10% 16% 23% 10% 37% 1052 7% 51% 36% 3%

19%

9%

10%

8%

4%

5%

226

806

724

646

1062

30% 36% 35% 224

33% 41% 26% 805

34% 40% 26% 722

34% 44% 22% 647

29% 45% 27% 1063

Total Q23: Would you be will to accept an overall smaller bag limit to hav fewer species and sex bag limit restrictions?

Yes No No opinion Total

LAF Q24: In the past, Most seasons changes in season either max or mi lengths were necessar length to respond to changing Intermediate duck populations. In th event of future change I'm not sure which would you prefe Total

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 1% 3% 2% 5% 11% 13% 21% 22% 25% 19% 7% 7% 34% 32% 855 830 6% 8% 54% 37% 33% 33% 3% 7%

MAF

UAF

LMF

MMF

MCF 1% 2% 9% 19% 20% 7% 42% 1845 12% 53% 25% 3%

UCF 1% 3% 11% 22% 19% 5% 39% 1383 5% 45% 37% 6%

LPF 2% 9% 22% 19% 14% 4% 30% 277 6% 31% 44% 8%

MPF 3% 9% 23% 22% 10% 3% 29% 660 6% 42% 39% 4%

UPF 4% 8% 17% 20% 15% 5% 31% 769 4% 30% 46% 8%

14%

7%

7%

11%

10%

12%

855

833

1853

1397

281

664

777

39% 40% 21% 859

34% 45% 21% 833

30% 46% 24% 1853

29% 44% 27% 1397

39% 44% 17% 282

30% 54% 16% 666

32% 45% 23% 776

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF

MCF

UCF

LPF

MPF

UPF

22%

19%

17%

17%

20%

18%

19%

18%

17%

19%

20%

18%

25%

31%

30%

31%

32%

33%

33%

27%

29%

29%

26%

25%

54%

50%

53%

51%

49%

49%

49%

55%

54%

52%

55%

57%

219

803

714

638

1057

851

830

1847

1378

277

658

761

153

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

LAF Q25: How does changin Increases satisfaction 9% bag limits and season No effect 63% lengths from year to yea 28% affect your duck hunting Decreases satisfactio Total satisfaction? 222 Q26: For the most rece Always 7% year you hunted ducks, Sometimes 37% how often did you use a Never motorized spinning-wing 56% decoy? Total 222 q27: Your view of Be allowed motorized spinning-wingNot be allowed decoys? No opinion Total

46% 17% 37% 224

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 5% 5%

MAF 6%

UAF 5%

LMF 6%

MMF 6%

68%

71%

64%

68%

69%

26%

24%

30%

26%

25%

784

707

635

1053

6% 32%

9% 24%

19% 51%

16% 54%

62%

67%

31%

29%

779

705

632

54% 21% 26% 788

46% 22% 32% 707

48% 32% 20% 630

154

MCF 5%

UCF 5%

LPF 4%

MPF 5%

UPF 3%

63%

72%

79%

66%

63%

69%

33%

23%

17%

30%

32%

28%

846

813

1824

1360

271

650

757

12% 35%

11% 41%

16% 41%

16% 36%

9% 29%

11% 53%

6% 16%

53%

48%

44%

47%

61%

36%

79%

1045

845

806

1815

1359

270

646

759

58% 21% 21% 1051

52% 27% 21% 847

55% 16% 29% 812

56% 19% 25% 1829

64% 14% 22% 1361

55% 17% 29% 271

55% 26% 19% 647

47% 29% 24% 762

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q28a: Your Confidence High Waterfowl biologists? Medium Low None Don't know Total Q28b: Your Confidence High Commercial/Business Medium interests? Low None Don't know Total Q28c: Your Confidence High Legislators? Medium Low None Don't know Total Q28d: Your Confidence High Experienced Duck Medium Hunters? Low None Don't know Total

LAF 45% 39% 10% 2% 4% 224 2% 16% 41% 35% 7% 222 2% 12% 38% 43% 4% 221 61% 30% 5% 2% 2% 224

MAF 39% 44% 12% 2% 4% 798 1% 13% 45% 36% 5% 791 1% 7% 47% 41% 5% 797 59% 35% 3% 1% 3% 798

UAF 45% 42% 8% 2% 2% 717 3% 14% 42% 38% 4% 720 2% 10% 45% 40% 3% 719 60% 35% 3% 1% 1% 713

LMF 37% 44% 11% 5% 3% 637 2% 16% 43% 35% 4% 633 2% 13% 41% 41% 4% 632 56% 35% 6% 1% 1% 631

MMF 45% 41% 9% 2% 3% 1054 3% 15% 43% 32% 7% 1055 2% 11% 43% 40% 4% 1054 60% 34% 4% 1% 1% 1052

155

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 38% 47% 45% 42% 11% 5% 2% 2% 4% 4% 849 823 1% 4% 10% 16% 44% 43% 40% 32% 5% 5% 844 825 1% 2% 8% 7% 42% 48% 45% 40% 4% 3% 843 816 56% 60% 38% 31% 5% 6% 0% 1% 1% 2% 848 820

MCF 43% 40% 10% 3% 4% 1846 2% 15% 44% 33% 6% 1838 1% 10% 46% 38% 5% 1822 57% 36% 5% 0% 2% 1830

UCF 49% 34% 9% 2% 5% 1384 2% 15% 43% 34% 5% 1380 3% 17% 46% 30% 5% 1369 55% 38% 5% 0% 3% 1383

LPF 36% 43% 12% 2% 7% 280 3% 11% 37% 40% 8% 277 1% 9% 41% 43% 6% 279 63% 31% 4% 1% 2% 278

MPF 39% 40% 13% 5% 4% 655 3% 18% 40% 33% 5% 653 1% 6% 42% 48% 4% 652 63% 29% 5% 0% 2% 657

UPF 35% 40% 13% 5% 8% 776 1% 14% 43% 35% 7% 769 1% 8% 43% 42% 6% 768 56% 35% 5% 1% 3% 768

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q28e: Your Confidence in All duck Hunters?

High Medium Low None Don't know Total Q28f: Your High Confidence in Medium General Public? Low None

Q28g: Your Confidence in Commercial Duck Clubs?

Q28h: Your Confidence in Conservation Groups?

LAF 17% 51% 25% 4% 3% 225 0% 9% 39%

MAF 13% 53% 29% 3% 3% 798 1% 5% 44%

UAF 14% 55% 27% 2% 2% 712 1% 6% 42%

LMF 14% 47% 32% 4% 3% 633 3% 9% 37%

MMF 13% 55% 28% 2% 2% 1058 1% 10% 41%

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 12% 12% 50% 50% 34% 31% 2% 3% 2% 3% 848 823 1% 1% 8% 6% 46% 40%

MCF 14% 53% 28% 3% 2% 1833 1% 9% 44%

UCF 14% 55% 26% 2% 3% 1376 2% 13% 47%

LPF 11% 51% 32% 4% 3% 279 0% 10% 38%

MPF 17% 51% 25% 4% 3% 657 0% 5% 40%

UPF 13% 50% 30% 3% 4% 767 1% 5% 41%

47%

47%

48%

46%

44%

43%

49%

44%

34%

48%

53%

48%

Don't know

4%

3%

3%

5%

4%

3%

4%

3%

4%

4%

2%

5%

Total

223

799

714

632

1053

853

822

1838

1384

278

657

770

14% 28% 35% 16% 7% 223 54% 31% 6% 6% 4% 222

10% 35% 33% 18% 5% 798 63% 24% 8% 1% 4% 804

12% 34% 32% 15% 7% 716 59% 28% 7% 4% 3% 721

7% 27% 35% 27% 4% 629 27% 40% 19% 12% 2% 640

10% 31% 35% 21% 3% 1046 60% 28% 8% 3% 1% 1055

11% 36% 33% 16% 4% 853 55% 33% 8% 2% 2% 857

12% 33% 37% 14% 4% 820 53% 30% 7% 6% 3% 828

11% 30% 34% 20% 5% 1839 57% 31% 7% 3% 2% 1845

9% 28% 33% 24% 6% 1381 48% 36% 8% 5% 4% 1384

15% 34% 32% 14% 5% 279 55% 25% 11% 4% 6% 279

14% 40% 30% 12% 3% 654 56% 29% 8% 4% 2% 663

12% 30% 33% 19% 7% 768 50% 30% 9% 6% 5% 777

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total

156

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q28i: Your Confidence in Flyway Councils?

Q28j: Your Confidence in Outdoor writers/TV personalities?

Q28k: Your Confidence in Duck hunting guides?

q28l: Your Confidence in Wildlife Agencies?

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 24% 28% 45% 43% 16% 11% 5% 3% 11% 15% 850 822 7% 7% 34% 34% 38% 35%

LAF 27% 44% 12% 2% 15% 223 8% 36% 36%

MAF 30% 43% 12% 2% 13% 794 6% 36% 35%

UAF 28% 42% 11% 3% 15% 714 5% 35% 37%

LMF 20% 38% 23% 8% 12% 634 5% 30% 42%

MMF 31% 43% 13% 2% 11% 1051 6% 30% 40%

13%

17%

18%

20%

17%

16%

Don't know

8%

5%

5%

4%

5%

Total

222

800

715

636

23% 41% 21% 8% 7% 223 28% 47% 17% 3% 5% 223

17% 43% 27% 8% 4% 799 24% 47% 22% 4% 4% 803

19% 41% 26% 7% 6% 721 25% 49% 19% 3% 3% 722

15% 38% 30% 13% 4% 636 26% 47% 20% 4% 2% 636

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None

High Medium Low None Don't know Total High Medium Low None Don't know Total

MCF 27% 45% 11% 2% 14% 1827 6% 35% 35%

UCF 24% 44% 14% 3% 15% 1376 6% 32% 38%

LPF 26% 43% 10% 3% 18% 278 6% 34% 38%

MPF 25% 45% 14% 3% 14% 655 5% 34% 34%

UPF 23% 42% 13% 4% 19% 769 5% 30% 36%

19%

18%

18%

16%

21%

22%

4%

5%

6%

6%

7%

5%

7%

1050

850

825

1839

1379

278

657

767

16% 40% 27% 11% 6% 1059 27% 47% 20% 3% 3% 1058

15% 36% 33% 11% 6% 855 19% 51% 20% 6% 3% 854

23% 39% 25% 9% 4% 827 34% 42% 17% 3% 4% 826

14% 37% 31% 12% 6% 1848 27% 47% 17% 4% 5% 1846

11% 31% 31% 20% 6% 1388 30% 48% 15% 3% 4% 1384

15% 41% 24% 12% 8% 280 22% 47% 21% 6% 5% 280

19% 40% 24% 10% 7% 663 19% 45% 23% 8% 5% 662

16% 37% 28% 12% 6% 775 20% 42% 24% 8% 5% 774

157

Appendix G: Results of NDHS by Sub-Flyway

Q29: Do you access th Frequently internet to look up duc Once in a while hunting information? Not at all Total Q30: $$ you spend on $250 or less duck hunting each yea $251-$1000 $1001-$5000

q31: Please indicate your sex: Q32: Your age:

LAF 25% 54% 21% 227 33% 45%

MAF 21% 49% 29% 809 35% 46%

UAF 18% 50% 32% 728 48% 41%

LMF 22% 52% 26% 644 20% 45%

MMF 26% 50% 24% 1065 32% 48%

Sub-Flyway UMF LCF 12% 23% 45% 55% 43% 21% 856 832 46% 35% 44% 50%

MCF 23% 46% 31% 1861 41% 43%

UCF 12% 46% 43% 1397 46% 46%

LPF 19% 51% 30% 282 38% 40%

MPF 26% 45% 29% 666 12% 39%

UPF 12% 44% 44% 781 41% 45%

20%

17%

10%

29%

20%

8%

14%

14%

8%

19%

39%

12%

Over $5000

3%

2%

1%

6%

1%

1%

2%

1%

1%

2%

10%

2%

Total

227

803

724

642

1063

851

827

1855

1394

281

661

776

99% 1% 227 12% 50% 33% 5% 223

99% 1% 801 12% 42% 38% 7% 807

99% 1% 726 10% 38% 45% 7% 727

99% 1% 640 9% 44% 42% 5% 646

99% 1% 1053 9% 42% 42% 6% 1059

98% 2% 853 12% 42% 39% 6% 854

99% 1% 832 13% 41% 39% 7% 833

98% 2% 1858 12% 40% 41% 7% 1857

98% 2% 1385 21% 32% 38% 9% 1394

97% 3% 275 15% 48% 29% 8% 282

98% 2% 660 10% 35% 45% 10% 668

99% 1% 770 16% 33% 41% 10% 777

Male Female Total 24 or under 25-44 45-64 65 or over Total

158

Appendix H: Tables of Sampling Tolerances Sampling Error of a Percentage All surveys are subject to sampling error (or sampling fluctuations), or the difference between the results obtained from a sample and results obtained by surveying the entire population. Sampling error of a percentage—(1) varies with the number of respondents (“base sample size”), and (2) with the division of opinion on a particular question. In other words—(1) when sub-sets of the total sample are studied, the amount of sampling error increases based on the sample size within the subset, and (2) it varies with the size of the percentage being estimated (as demonstrated in Table H1). Now, apply these insights to real data from the NDHS, using the following data table, and table of sampling tolerances adapted for the NDHS in Table H2. (Table H3 was prepared for states that requested “over-sampling” in association with the NDHS).

Flyway

Atlantic Missi'ippi Central Pacific USA

Q4: Over the last five years, about how many ducks did you usually harvest in a year? 5 or less 6 to10 11 to 20 21 to 50 >50 Total 20% 27% 27% 19% 7% 1764 16% 22% 27% 25% 11% 2578 14% 20% 30% 27% 9% 4089 9% 18% 25% 30% 19% 1724 15% 22% 27% 25% 11% 10155

Note the above difference in percentage points between the number (5 or less) of ducks that hunters in the Atlantic Flyway harvest in a usual year (over the last 5 years), and the number (5 or less) of ducks that hunters in the Pacific Flyway harvest in a usual year (over the last 5 years). Specifically, the absolute difference is (20%-9%) or 11 percentage points. However, a confidence interval should be applied to both estimates (see Table H2)--in the case of the Atlantic estimate (that is near 20%), plus/minus 2 percentage points (18% to 22%, 95% confidence interval); and in the case of the Pacific estimate (that is near 10%), plus/minus 2 percentage points (7% to 11%, 95% confidence interval). In Easy English, we can conclude with considerable confidence that duck hunters in the Pacific Flyway, as a group, are less likely than Atlantic duck hunters to harvest “5 ducks or less”—and that this difference amounts to at least 7 percentage points (18% (the low value of the Atlantic confidence interval) minus 11% (the high value of the Pacific confidence interval)). Or, in more precise English, we can conclude that in 95 of 100 samples of 1724 Pacific FW duck hunters, the true value of Pacific hunters who harvest “5 or less ducks” would be captured within the interval of 7-11%, and in 95 of 100 samples of 1764 Atlantic FW duck hunters, the true value of Atlantic hunters who harvest “5 or less ducks” would be captured within the interval of 18-22%) …and, in another example, conclude also that duck hunters in the Pacific Flyway, as a group, are more likely than Atlantic hunters to harvest “more than 50” ducks—again, assigning the appropriate confidence intervals to, first, the point estimate of the Atlantic FW (7% (that is near 10%)—a sampling tolerance of 1 percentage point (6% to 8%, 95% confidence interval)); and to the Pacific FW, (19% (that is near 20%)—a sampling tolerance of 2 percentage points (17% to 21%, 95 confidence interval))—concluding that this difference amounts to at least 9 percentage points (17% (the low value of the Pacific confidence interval) minus 8% (the high value of the Atlantic confidence interval)). …NOW….SO WHAT!? What’s the practical importance of, say, this “real” 9 percentage-point difference? Rarely is the question of “practical” importance given any consideration—but it’s essential here. Human dimensions provide clues to better informed conservation management—not answers.

159

Appendix H: Tables of Sampling Tolerances This 9% difference likely doesn’t answer any pressing issue of cosmic (or closer to home, Flyway) importance…but it likely provides helpful or illuminating insights or clues to real happenings in the lives of duck hunters across the various Flyways. These data (these bits of hunter information, perceptions, inclinations, behavior, opinions) are best “used” when they’re tucked into the back (but not too far back) of our minds. Only then can these data take their rightful place at the right and appropriate moment in, say, a future regulations committee meeting, where many inputs—biological data, management philosophy of an agency/s or commission/s, fiscal constraints, legislative climate…and yes, human dimensions data—will be blended to achieve a conservation decision that represents exemplary public service.

TABLE H1. Recommended Allowance for Sampling Error of a Percentage (Plus/Minus in percentage points (at 95% confidence level); adapted from Arkin & Colton, 1963a; and The Gallup Organization, 2002b). Base Sample Size Near:

5/95%

10/90%

20/80%

30/70%

40/60%

50/50%

100

4.3

5.9

7.9

9.0

9.7

9.8

200

3.0

4.2

5.6

6.4

6.8

6.9

300

2.5

3.4

4.5

5.2

5.6

5.7

400

2.1

2.9

53.9

4.5

4.8

4.9

500

1.9

2.6

3.5

4.0

4.3

4.4

600

1.7

2.4

3.2

3.7

3.9

4.0

800

1.5

2.1

2.8

3.2

3.4

3.5

1000

1.4

1.9

2.5

2.8

3.0

3.1

1500

1.1

1.5

2.0

2.3

2.5

2.5

2000

.96

1.3

1.8

2.0

2.1

2.2

2500

.85

1.2

1.6

1.8

2.0

2.0

3000

.78

1.1

1.4

1.6

1.8

1.8

4000

.68

.90

1.2

1.4

1.5

1.5

5000

.60

.80

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

6000

.55

.76

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.3

a

Arkin, H., and R.R. Colton, 1963. Tables for statisticians. New York: Barnes & Noble, 168pp. The Gallup Organization, 2002. National survey of drinking and driving attitudes and behavior: 2001. Vol. IIMethods Report, Nov. 2002, The Gallup Organization, 901 F. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.

b

160

Appendix H: Tables of Sampling Tolerances TABLE H2. Recommended Allowance for Sampling Error of a Percentage, National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 (Plus/Minus in percentage points (at 95% confidence level); adapted from Arkin & Colton, 1963a; and The Gallup Organization, 2002b). Sample Sizes Near:

5/95%

10/90%

20/80%

30/70%

40/60%

50/50%

USA (~10,220)