| | Description: | Periodic survey of non-resident hunters to determine their activities and harvests in 18-24 game animal hunting categories in Illinois, as well as their characteristics and attitudes toward specific wildlife issues. Abstract: A random sample of 2,000 potential non-resident hunters was selected from among purchasers of 2006 Illinois non-resident hunting licenses and habitat stamps. A 6-page questionnaire was successfully mailed to 1,960 of the 2,000 individuals. We received 1,254 returned questionnaires, 1,249 of which were usable, for a 64% response rate. Non-residents purchased 38,900 hunting licenses in Illinois in 2006-2007. Non-residents harvested more doves, deer and gray squirrels than any other game species, though low sample sizes for many species prevented accurate estimation of harvest. Twenty-nine non-resident hunters reported hunting on controlled hunting areas or shooting preserves in Illinois. These hunters most frequently hunted pheasants, quail and Chuckar partridge. Non-residents most commonly used the IDNR website or phone system to purchase their hunting licenses, habitat stamps and permits. Non-resident hunters reported little difficulty accessing hunting land in Illinois. Twenty percent of non-residents leased land to hunt in Illinois and 37% hired an outfitter to access land. One-fifth of respondents had hunted upland game in a state other than Illinois during 2006-2007. Non-residents most commonly hunted upland game in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Missouri. Respondents reported having access to private hunting land as their primary motivation for hunting upland game outside of Illinois. | |
