Public Elk Hunter Survey

Elk Hunting in Idaho

Understanding the needs and experiences of hunters

Conducted by:
Department of Conservation Social Sciences

For:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game

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Please enter the 4-digit number printed in your letter. This will allow us to recognize you as someone who responded over the Internet.
If you respond on-line we will not send another questionnaire to you in the mail. This will save both time and money for printing and postage.
Your response is strictly CONFIDENTIAL and your name will NEVER be associated with any answers you give below.

First, some questions about your general hunting behavior

Q1.

About how many years have you hunted in Idaho? (Please enter the number of years)

Years

Q2.

How often do you hunt for each of the following game species in Idaho?

GAME SPECIES		How often do you hunt the following species in Idaho? (Please select one response for each species)
A.	Black Bear
B.	Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat (one in a lifetime)
C.	Mountain Lion
D.	Mule Deer
E.	Pronghorn
F.	Upland Game / Birds
G.	White-tailed Deer
H.	Wolf

Next, some questions about your Idaho Elk hunting experiences and preferences

Q3.

About how many years have you hunted ELK in Idaho? (Please enter the number of years)

Years

Q4.

Please check those years that you did hunt Elk in Idaho during the past 7 years. (Please check all that apply)

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

Q5.

If you did not hunt Elk in Idaho for 2 or more years during the past 7 years (2005 through 2011), please tell us why.
(Please check all that apply)

		A. POOR HEALTH		H. ACCESS LIMITATIONS
		B. WORK SCHEDULE		I. THE SEASON LENGTH
		C. FAMILY OBLIGATIONS		J. THE TIMING OF THE SEASON
		D. LOW ELK NUMBERS		K. TOO MUCH OHV ACTIVITY
		E. I HUNTED OTHER GAME SPECIES		L. TOO MANY HUNTERS
		F. NO HUNTING PARTNER		M. OTHER (please explain)
		G. I COULDN’T AFFORD IT

Q6.

Of those you circled in Question 5, which ONE was the most important reason you did not hunt Elk during those years?

Enter ONE letter (A-M) from the list in Q5:

Q7.

Excluding your travel to and from your home, how often do you use the following mode of transportation
when you hunt Elk in Idaho?

	TRAVEL MODE	How often do you use each travel mode when hunting Elk in Idaho? (Please select one response for each travel mode)
	A. Car / truck
	B. Horse / pack animals
	C. Mountain bike
	D. OHV
	E. On foot

Q8.

What type of weapon do you typically use to hunt Elk in Idaho? (Please check only one response)

		A. Shotgun		E. Inline Muzzleloader
		B. Rifle		F. Compound Bow
		C. Handgun		G. Recurve or Longbow
		D. Traditional Muzzleloader		H. Crossbow

Q9.

Which of the following Idaho Elk archery, short-range weapons or muzzleloader seasons did you hunt in during the last 7 years (2005-2011)? (Please check all that apply)

	NONE, I ONLY HUNTED ELK WITH A RIFLE	►►►PLEASE CONTINUE TO Q-11 ▼
	I HUNTED IN ARCHERY-ONLY SEASONS	▼
	I HUNTED IN SHORT-RANGE WEAPONS SEASONS	▼
	I HUNTED IN MUZZLELOADER-ONLY SEASONS	▼
		▼
▼

Q10.

How important was each of the following in your decision to hunt during Elk archery, short-range weapons or muzzleloader seasons?

	REASONS FOR ARCHERY, SHORT-RANGE WEAPONS OR MUZZLELOADER HUNTING	How important was each reason for hunting during Elk archery, short-range weapons or muzzleloader seasons? (Please select one response for each reason)
A.	To increase the challenge.
B.	To hunt when fewer hunters are a-field.
C.	To improve my chance of harvesting an Elk.
D.	To expand my hunting season.
E.	To hunt in a zone where rifle Elk hunting opportunity is limited.
F.	For the adventure.
G.	To engage in traditional forms of hunting.
H.	To build my confidence as an Elk hunter.
I.	To hunt Elk during the rut.

Q11.

What has been your Elk harvesting success in Idaho?

I have NEVER harvested an Elk in Idaho. ►►► (please continue with Q12 below): ►►►

I harvested Elk in Idaho in: (Check all the years that you harvested an Elk in Idaho)

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Q12.

If you could not hunt Elk in Idaho, how would you react? (Please check only one response)

Not miss it at all	Miss it a little	Miss it somewhat	Miss it considerably	Miss it a great deal

Q13.

If you could not hunt Elk in Idaho how would your hunting change?

	CHANGES TO YOUR HUNTING	If you could not hunt Elk in Idaho how would your hunting change? (Please select one response for each change)
A.	I would hunt waterfowl more.
B.	I would hunt upland game more.
C.	I would spend more time hunting other big game.
D.	I would hunt Elk in other states.
E.	I would not hunt at all.

Q14.

Which of the following best describes where you typically hunt Elk in Idaho? (Please select only one response)

I typically hunt in the same Zone every year.
I typically hunt in Different Zones each year.

Q15.

In which zones did you hunt Elk in Idaho during 2011?

(Please check all the zones you hunted in 2011)
Panhandle	Pioneer
Palouse	Owyhee-South Hills
Hells Canyon	Boise River
Lolo	Smoky Mountain
Dworshak	Bennett Hills
Elk City	Big Desert
Selway	Snake River
Middle Fork	Island Park
Salmon	Teton
Weiser	Palisades
McCall	Tex Creek
Lemhi	Bannock
Beaverhead	Bear River
Brownlee	Diamond Creek
Sawtooth

Q16.

What makes the zone(s) you marked in Q-15 desirable to hunt Elk? (Please check all that apply)

A. It is close to my home or cabin	E. It is a general zone that I can get every year (not a controlled hunt.)
B. Tradition--I always hunt there.	F. There are not many hunters there competing with me for Elk.
C. It provides a good chance of harvesting an Elk.	G. I can also hunt deer during the same season.
D. It has the seasons I prefer.	H. It has OHV restrictions.

Q17.

What are your perceptions of Elk numbers in the zone you hunted in 2011? Select the ONE statement from the list below that most closely matches your perceptions. (Please check only one response)

A. Elk numbers have declined abruptly in the last 10 years and Elk are scarce in the zone.

B. Elk numbers have declined in the last 10 years, but still remain relatively abundant.

C. Elk numbers have remained stable in the last 10 years.

D. Elk numbers have increased slightly in the last 10 years.

E. Elk numbers have increased substantially in the last 10 years and Elk are over-abundant.

Q18.

If you hunted in more than one zone in the past 10 years, please list them below.
(Please write in the Zone names, refer to map above for Zone names)

Q19.

If you have hunted in more than one zone in the past 10 years, please tell us why you changed zones.
(Please write in your answer)

Q20.

How long have you hunted Elk in each of the zones you listed in Q-18?
(Please write in the name of the zone and number of years, refer to map above for Zone names)

I have hunted in the	Zone for	Years
I have hunted in the	Zone for	Years
I have hunted in the	Zone for	Years
I have hunted in the	Zone for	Years

Q21.

Do you also hunt for Elk in other states? (Please select one response)

	YES	NO Please continue with Q-22 below. ►►►►
	▼ If YES, please list the states: ▼
	►►►

Q22.

What do you believe is the primary factor limiting Elk numbers in the zone you hunted in 2011? (Check only ONE response)

Predators	Hunter Harvest
Habitat	Weather
Disease

Q23.

Would you like to be able to hunt in multiple zones in a year for a single Elk? (Please check one response)

YES NO

Q24.

If YES, would you be willing to pay a higher fee ($100 more for non-residents; $30 more for residents) to do so?
(Please check one response)

YES NO

Q25.

When the zone system was implemented the mechanism for reducing unlimited over-the-counter opportunity called “capping the zone” was developed by the department with the help of legislators, sportsmen and outfitters. This “capping the zone” is an allocation formula to distribute Elk tags to hunters (residents, nonresidents and outfitted nonresidents) based on the historical use of the previous 5 years. What has been your experience with this management strategy? (Please check one response for each question)

A.	Do you hunt in a capped zone?	YES	NO
B.	Has "capping a zone" affected where you hunt?	YES	NO
C.	Has "capping a zone" caused you to change the zone you hunt in?	YES	NO
D.	Do you think the allocation formula based on the previous 5 years of use by the 3 groups is appropriate?	YES	NO

Q26.

If you hunt in a “capped zone” has the Elk hunting changed since it was capped? (Please check one response)

	Elk hunting has improved.
	Elk hunting has stayed the same.
	Elk hunting has become worse.

In this section we seek an understanding of what you consider when deciding what kind of Elk to hunt
and where to hunt them.

Q27.

How desirable is it to you to harvest the following kinds Of Elk?

	KIND OF ELK	How desirable do you find harvesting each kind of Elk? (Please select one response for each kind of Elk)
A.	Large Bull (greater than 350 Boone & Crockett points)
B.	Mature Bull (6 points a side)
C.	Raghorn Bull (4-5 points a side)
D.	Spike Elk
E.	Cow Elk
F.	Calf
G.	Any Elk

Q28.

Below is a list of possible reasons for hunting Elk in Idaho. How important to you is each of the following reasons for hunting Elk in Idaho?

	REASONS FOR HUNTING	How important is each reason for hunting Elk in Idaho? (Please select one response for each reason)
A.	Being close to nature.
B.	Harvesting an antlerless Elk.
C.	Viewing the scenery.
D.	Harvesting any Elk.
E.	Seeing Elk in a natural setting.
F.	Testing my abilities.
G.	Harvesting a large bull. (greater than 350 Boone & Crockett points)
H.	Sharing what I have learned with others.
I.	Being with friends.
J.	Harvesting a raghorn bull. (4 or 5 points on a side)
K.	Learning more about nature.
L.	Doing something with my family.
M.	Putting meat on the table.
N.	Keeping physically fit.
O.	Harvesting any bull.
P.	Developing close friendship with my hunting companions.
Q.	Harvesting a mature bull (6 points on a side).
R.	Just being outdoors.

Q29.

Each of the following characteristics may be things you consider when deciding where to hunt Elk in Idaho. How does each characteristic affect your choice of where to hunt Elk in Idaho?

	CHARACTERISTICS	How does each characteristic affect where you decide to hunt Elk in Idaho? (Please select one response for each characteristic)
A.	An area with few other Elk hunters.
B.	An area that has many Elk but few mature bulls.
C.	An area where I have hunted Elk for many years.
D.	An area where my family can also hunt Elk with me.
E.	Ability to hunt Elk every year.
F.	An area where I can also hunt deer during the Elk season.
G.	An area close to my home or cabin.
H.	An area with a long Elk season.
I.	An area that is remote and hard to reach.
J.	An area that has an early start to the season.
K.	An area where I have access to public lands (Forest Service, BLM).
L.	An area where I also have access to private lands.
M.	An area where I think I have the greatest chance of harvesting an Elk.
N.	An area that has a late end to the Elk season.
O.	An area where I will not encounter motorized hunters using OHVs.
P.	An area where I am able to use my OHV or other motorized vehicle while hunting Elk
Q.	An area where I can hunt Elk with the weapon of my choice.
R.	An area where I have the best chance of getting drawn for an Elk hunt.
S.	An area where Wolves are not present.
T.	An area where I can also hunt Wolves.

Q30.

Are there any times during the general Elk hunting season in Idaho that you prefer or avoid?
(Please check as many as apply)

	I Prefer	I Avoid
A. Opening Day
B. First Weekend
C. First Week
D. Any Weekend
E. Any weekday
F. Last Week
G. Last Weekend
H. Last Day

Q31.

What attributes are important to a quality Idaho Elk hunting experience?

	Attributes of an Idaho Elk Hunting Experience	How important is each attribute to the quality of your Idaho Elk hunting experience? (Please select one response for each attribute)
A.	Low Elk hunter densities.
B.	Harvesting an Elk.
C.	Seeing harvestable Elk.
D.	Being able to hunt for mature bulls.
E.	Being able to hunt Elk with family and friends.
F.	Being able to hunt Elk every year.
G.	Being able to hunt Elk using an OHV.
H.	Competing only with other Elk hunters on foot or horseback
I.	Not having competition from other Elk hunters using other forms of transportation (OHV, mountain bike, etc.).
J.	Having the opportunity for reduced price nonresident junior mentored tag.
K.	Having a long Elk season.

Next, your opinions about some possible management options.

Q32.

Managing to produce more large bull Elk would require reductions in bull harvest. Managers need to know whether hunters are willing make trade-offs between the size of bulls and the amount of opportunity to hunt. (For each of the following pairs of opportunity choices please indicate which one is most favorable to you by selecting the appropriate choice.)

                                                 Please answer every one, even if you do not like either option.

A.	The opportunity to hunt for a raghorn bull (4 or 5 points a side) every year	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a mature bull (6+ points a side) once every 10 years
B.	The opportunity to hunt for a mature bull (6+ points a side) once every 3 years	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a raghorn bull (4 or 5 points a side) every year
C.	The opportunity to hunt for a mature bull (6+ points a side) every 3 years	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a spike bull every year
D.	The opportunity to hunt for a spike bull every year	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a raghorn bull (4 or 5 points a side) once every 3 years
E.	The opportunity to hunt for a cow Elk every year	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a raghorn bull (4 or 5 points a side) once every 3 years
F.	The opportunity to hunt for a mature bull (6+ points a side) once every 3 years	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a cow Elk every year
G.	The opportunity to hunt for a cow Elk every year	OR	The opportunity to hunt for a spike bull every year

Q33

Were there times during your 2011 Elk season when the numbers of other hunters seriously detracted from the quality of your hunting experience? (Please check one response)

YES NO I did not hunt Elk in 2011

Q34.

How do you feel about each of the following potential ways of improving Elk hunting, if needed?

How do you feel about the following potential ways of Elk hunting? (Please select one response for each option)		Potential Management Actions
	A.	Longer seasons.
	B.	Choose only one weapon (archery, muzzleloader, rifle)
	C.	Chose only one species--Deer or Elk.
	D.	Controlled hunts.
	E.	Stratified hunts (a choice of one of several short seasons; for example 5-7 days).
	F.	Choose an area with Motorized hunting rule or other travel restrictions.
	G.	Choose an area with a capped zone (limited first come first served).

Q35.

We would like to know how you feel about the following potential restrictions to increase the quality and size of Elk in Idaho and improve Elk hunting opportunities. Please indicate your opinion on the following potential restrictions.

	Potential Restrictions	How do you feel about the following potential restrictions? (Please select one response for each restriction)
A.	Restricting the use of OHVs.
B.	Making some Elk zones foot and horse access only.
C.	Retaining the current spike-only regulations.
D.	Instituting a brow-tine restriction.
E.	Choosing a single weapon for the entire Elk season.
F.	A shorter Elk season (less than 10 days), but being able to hunt Elk every year.
G.	More controlled hunts that provide more and/or larger bulls and higher harvest success, but not being able to hunt Elk every year.
H.	More controlled hunts that provide more and/or larger bulls and higher harvest success, and not being allowed to hunt for Elk if you did not draw a tag.
I.	Being able to purchase an Elk tag only every other year.

Q36.

IF Idaho Fish and Game introduces restrictions that reduce Elk hunting opportunities to improve Elk populations, how would your hunting behavior change?

	Changes to your hunting	How likely would you change your behavior? (Please select one response for each change)
A.	I would hunt in different zones.
B.	I would quit hunting Elk
C.	I would shift to hunting other species.
D.	I would not change my hunting behavior.
E.	I would change my weapon type for increased Elk hunting opportunity

Now, some questions about the satisfaction you experienced with Elk hunting in Idaho in 2011.

Q37.

How satisfied were you with each of the following aspects of your 2011 Elk hunting experience?

    If you DID NOT hunt Elk in Idaho in 2011, please check here and SKIP to Q-38 below. ►►►►

How satisfied were you with your 2011 Idaho Elk hunting? (Please select one response for each attribute)		Attributes of your 2011 Idaho Elk hunting experience
	A.	The number of Elk you saw.
	B.	The number of harvestable Elk you saw.
	C.	The numbers of bulls you saw.
	D.	The length of the Elk season.
	E.	The timing of the Elk season.
	F.	The number of Elk hunters you encountered.
	G.	The amount of access.
	H.	The number of OHVs encountered.
	I.	The amount of Elk hunting opportunity.
	J.	Elk harvest success.
	K.	The opportunity for friends and family to hunt Elk together.

Q38.

How would you feel about a big game regulation that sets the general season conditions for 2 years in advance, just like the current Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Upland Game, Turkey and Fishing regulations? (Please check one response)

Favor it

Do not Favor,
But Acceptable

Not Acceptable

Need More
Information

Two questions about predators in Idaho.

Q39.

How do Wolves affect your Idaho Elk hunting experience? (Please check one response for each item)

A.	Does the presence of Wolves affect where you hunt Elk?	YES	NO
B.	Is the opportunity to hunt Wolves along with Elk important to you?	YES	NO
C.	Did you choose your Elk zone because of the negative effect Wolves have had on your Elk hunting experience?	YES	NO
D.	Do you hunt Elk in zones with few Wolves?	YES	NO

Q40.

Do you anticipate Elk numbers to increase now that Idaho Fish and Game is responsible for managing wolves?
(Please check one response for each item)

YES NO

Finally, some questions about you!

Q41.

Where did you live in 2011? (Please check one response)

	Developed area (city, town, suburb) in Idaho
	Rural area in Idaho
	Developed area (city, town, suburb) Out-of-State
	Rural area Out-of-State	(please skip to Q-43)
▼			▼

Q42.

How long have you lived in Idaho? (Please enter the number of years)

Q43.

When were you born? I was born in (Please enter the year)

Q44.

Do you have any physical conditions such as vision or hearing impairment, or any condition that limits your ability to perform activities such as walking, climbing, reaching, lifting, or carrying? (Please check one)

YES

Q45.

Are you: (Please check one)

MALE

FEMALE

Q46.

Are you: (Please check all that apply)

	American Indian / Alaskan Native		Hispanic or Latino / Latina
	Asian		Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
	African American		White

Q47.

During the 2011 hunting season were you: (Please check all that apply)

	Employed full-time		Retired
	Employed part-time		Homemaker
	Student		Unemployed

Q48.

Which of the following best describes your gross family income before taxes in 2011? (Please check only one response)

		Less Than $20,000		$100,000 -- $119,999
		$20,000 -- $39,999		$120,000 -- $139,999
		$40,000 -- $59,999		$140,000 -- $159,999
		$60,000 -- $79,999		$160,000 -- $179,000
		$80,000 -- $99,999		$180,000 or More

Thank you for your help.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us specifically about Elk hunting in Idaho?
We would appreciate any comments.

To send your responses, please click on the "Submit" button below. Thank you for your input!