Mule Deer Hunting in Idaho -- 2006

Your opinions really do count!

  First, some questions about your general hunting behavior.

 

  Start
  Here
 

 Please enter your zip code (5 digits). This will allow us to classify where hunters live.
  
   Your responses are strictly CONFIDENTIAL and you will NEVER be associated with any answers you give below.
1. About how many years have you hunted—any species, anywhere? (Please enter number)
Years
2. About how many years have you hunted in Idaho? (Please enter number)
Years
3. How often do you hunt each of the following types of game in Idaho?
  A. Black Bear E. Pronghorn  
  B. Elk F. Upland Game  
  C. Mountain Lion G. Waterfowl  
  D. Mule Deer H. White-tailed Deer  
 
    Now, some questions about your Idaho Mule Deer hunting experiences and preferences.
4. About how many years have you hunted Mule Deer in Idaho? (Please enter number)
Years
  
5. What type of weapon(s) did you use to hunt Mule Deer in 2006 (Please check all that apply)
  I did not hunt Mule Deer in 2006      
  SHOTGUN INLINE MUZZLELOADER  
  RIFLE COMPOUND BOW  
  HANDGUN RECURVE OR LONGBOW  
  TRADITIONAL MUZZLELOADER CROSSBOW  
 
6. 		 
Which of the following Idaho Mule Deer archery, short-range weapons or muzzleloader seasons did you hunt in during the last 5 years (2002-2006)? (Please check all that apply).
  NONE, I ONLY HUNTED MULE DEER WITH A RIFLE
                          PLEASE CONTINUE WITH # 8, BELOW
  I HUNTED IN ARCHERY-ONLY SEASONS
  I HUNTED IN SHORT-RANGE WEAPON SEASONS
  I HUNTED IN MUZZLELOADER-ONLY SEASONS

 
7. How important was each of the following in your decision to hunt in a Mule Deer archery, short-range weapons or muzzleloader season?
  
  A. To increase the challenge
  B. To hunt when fewer hunters are a-field
  C. To improve my chance of getting a Mule Deer
  D. To expand my hunting season
  E. To hunt where I otherwise wouldn't have had and opportunity to do so
   
8. Did you use a licensed Idaho outfitter to guide your hunt, pack out an animal, pack in your gear, or for other hunting services during the 2006 Mule Deer season?

       YES          NO
   
9. What are the key characteristics of a “great” mule deer hunt in Idaho? (Please write in your answer below)
 
   
10. Did you harvest a Mule Deer in Idaho in the 2006 season? (Please check only one response)
  I did not hunt Mule Deer in Idaho in 2006
  No, I did not harvest a Mule Deer in Idaho in 2006
  Yes. If YES, what did you harvest (Please check one below)
    LARGE MULE DEER BUCK (Antlers extend outside the ears, over 24 inches wide and 4 or more points a side)
    MEDIUM MULE DEER BUCK (Antlers extend outside the ears, 18-24 inches wide and 3 or 4 points a side)
    SMALL MULE DEER BUCK (1 to 2 points a side)
    ANTERLESS MULE DEER (Doe or Fawn)
   
11. In which unit(s) did you hunt Mule Deer in Idaho during 2006? (Please refer to the map below)

I HUNTED IN THE FOLLOWING UNIT(S):                
 
 

 

 

12. Which of the following best
      describes where you typically
      hunt Mule Deer in Idaho?
      (Please check only one)

I hunt in the same unit every year
I hunt in 2 or 3 units every year
I hunt in more than 3 units every year
I hunt in a different unit each year
   
  Now some questions about your reasons for hunting Mule Deer in Idaho
   
13. Below is a list of possible reasons for hunting Mule Deer in Idaho. How important to you is each of the following reasons for hunting Mule Deer in Idaho?
   
A. Developing my hunting skills Q. Being on my own
B. Releasing or reducing some built-up tension R. Harvesting a large buck (antlers extend outside the ears, over 24” wide and 4 or more points a side)
C. Being close to nature S. Sharing what I have learned with others
D. Showing others I can do it T. Being with friends
E. Using my deer stalking skills U. Getting to know the lay of land
F. For the stimulation and excitement V. Getting a small buck (1 or 2 points on a side)
G. Getting an antlerless deer W. Learning more about nature
H. Viewing the scenery X. Doing something with my family
I. Developing personal spiritual values Y. Putting meat on the table
J. Competing against other hunters Z. Keeping physically fit
K. Getting away from the usual demands of life AA. Getting any buck
L. Getting any deer BB. Testing and using my equipment
M. Seeing deer in a natural setting CC. Developing close friendship with my hunting companions
N. Experiencing tranquility DD. Thinking about my personal values
O. Getting a good shot at a deer EE. Bringing back pleasant memories
P. Testing my abilities FF. Learning more about deer
           
   
  In this section, we seek an understanding of what you consider when deciding what kind of Mule Deer to hunt and where to hunt them.
   
14. How desirable is it for you to harvest the following kinds of Mule Deer?
  
  A. Large Mule Deer buck (Antlers extend outside the ears, over 24 inches wide and 4 or more points a side)
  B. Medium Mule Deer buck
(do not extend outside the ears, 18-24 inches wide and 3 - 4 points a side)
  C. Small Mule Deer buck (1 – 2 points a side)
  D. Antlerless Mule Deer (does or fawns)
  E. Any Mule Deer
   
15. The Department of Fish and Game offers regulated hunting of antlerless Mule Deer, including does, in some areas for a variety of reasons. How do you feel about the following reasons for conducting antlerless Mule Deer hunts?
    Reasons for antlerless Mule Deer Hunts: Favor Do not Favor
but
Would Accept		 Would not
Accept		 Need More
Information		  
  A. To reduce agricultural damage  
  B. To provide additional hunting opportunity  
  C. To maintain a balanced population size for the quality of the habitat  
  D. To increase productivity of the herd  
  E. To provide opportunities for Youth Hunts  
   
   
16. Have you ever participated in an antlerless Mule Deer hunt in Idaho? (Please check one)

     YES                NO
  

17. Would you participate in an antlerless Mule Deer hunt in Idaho in the future? (Please check one)

     YES                NO          Don't know
  

18. Do you feel hunting antlerless Mule Deer is ever appropriate? (Please check one)

     YES                NO 
  

19. If you could harvest an antlerless Mule Deer in addition to a buck, would you participate? (Please check one)

     YES               NO
   

20. If it is determined that antlerless Mule Deer harvest is needed, what is your preferred method? Please rank all the following methods as to which is most acceptable to YOU. (Please enter your answers, where 1= MOST acceptable, 5 = LEAST acceptable)

   CONTROLLED HUNTS
    YOUTH HUNTS
   GENERAL HUNTS
   EXTRA DEER HUNTS
   ARCHERY AND/OR MUZZLELOADER HUNTS
 
   
21. If you did not hunt Mule Deer in Idaho during all 5 of the past 5 years (2002 through 2006), please tell us why. (Please check all that apply). If you did hunt, please skip to Question 22.
 
A. POOR HEALTH G.  I COULDN’T AFFORD IT
B. WORK SCHEDULE H.  ACCESS LIMITATIONS
C. FAMILY OBLIGATIONS I.   THE SEASON LENGTH
D. LOW DEER NUMBERS J.  THE TIMING OF THE SEASON
E. I HUNTED OTHER GAME SPECIES K. TOO MUCH ATV ACTIVITY
F. NO HUNTING PARTNER L.  TOO MANY HUNTERS
    M. OTHER (please explain below)
     

Of those you checked above, which one was the most important reason you did not hunt Mule Deer for the past 5 years? 

               Enter the letter from the list above:  

 
22. Each of the following characteristics may be things you consider when deciding where to hunt Mule Deer in Idaho.
How does each characteristic affect your choice of where to hunt Mule Deer in Idaho?
           
A. An area with lots of other hunters I. An area with a short Mule Deer season
B. An area that has many Mule Deer but few mature bucks J. An area where I may use any weapon to hunt Mule Deer
C. An area known for large bucks K. An area where I have access to public lands (Forest Service, BLM)
D. An area with many open roads L. An area where I have access to private lands
E. An area where I can also hunt other game during the Mule Deer season M. An area where I think I have the greatest chance of harvesting a Mule Deer
F. An area where I can also hunt elk during the Mule Deer season
   		N. An area where I can hunt every year
G. An area close to home O. An area where I do not have to compete with motorized hunters using ATV’s or trail bikes
H. An area I am familiar with P. An area where I am able to use my ATV or trail bike

 
   
  Now, we seek your opinion about some possible management options.
   
23. Were there times during your 2006 Mule Deer season when the numbers of other hunters seriously detracted from the quality of your hunting experience? (Please check one)

            YES              NO             I did not hunt in 2006
  

24. How do you feel about each of the following potential ways of managing for lower hunter numbers during Mule Deer season, if needed? (Check one for each option)
  Potential Management Options: Favor Do not Favor
but
Would Accept		 Would not
Accept		 Need More
Information		  
A. Longer seasons  
B. Choose a species (deer or elk)  
C. Controlled hunts  
D. Stratified hunts (a choice of one of several short seasons)  
E. A zone restriction (like the elk zones)  

 
   
25. Managing to produce more mature (large) Mule Deer bucks would require reductions in buck harvest. Managers need to know whether hunters are willing make trade-offs between the size of bucks and the amount of opportunity to hunt. (For each of the following pairs of opportunity choices please check which one is most favorable to you.) Please answer every one, even if you do not like either option.
The opportunity to hunt for a small buck every year OR The opportunity to hunt for a big buck once every 10 years
The opportunity to hunt for a medium buck every year OR The opportunity to hunt for a big buck once every 3 years
The opportunity to hunt for a small buck every year OR The opportunity to hunt for a medium buck once every 10 years
The opportunity to hunt for a medium buck once every 3 years OR The opportunity to hunt for a small buck every year
The opportunity to hunt for a big buck once every 10 years OR The opportunity to hunt for a medium buck once every 3 years
The opportunity to hunt for a small buck every year OR The opportunity to hunt for a big buck once every 3 years
The opportunity to hunt for a big buck once every 10 years OR The opportunity to hunt for a medium buck every year

 
26 Are you willing to accept additional restrictions in order to manage for larger and/or more Mule Deer bucks? (Please check one)

          YES               NO   →►→►→ Please continue to Question 27 below: ══╗
 

If YES, please rank the following restrictions according to their acceptability to YOU.
(Please enter your answers, where 1= MOST acceptable, 6 = LEAST acceptable)
   

Controlled hunts
Being restricted to short range weapons (shotgun, muzzleloader, bow)
Road and trail closures during hunting season
General harvest restricted to bucks with 4 or more points to increase buck numbers but not antler size
General harvest restricted to bucks with 2 points or less with limited controlled permits for any buck
Giving up the ability to hunt every year

  

   
27. We would like to know how you feel about the management of Mule Deer and Elk in Idaho. Please indicate your opinion on the following potential management options. (Check one answer for each management action)
  Management Options: Favor Do not Favor
but
Would Accept		 Would not
Accept		 Need More
Information		  
A. Reduce elk populations on a large scale to potentially increase Mule Deer  
B. In some selected units, Mule Deer will be given management priority over elk. This means elk populations in those units may decrease  
C. Reduce elk population in the units I hunt in to potentially increase Mule Deer  
             
  In this section we seek information about motorized access.
28. Excluding your travel to and from your home, how often do you use the following equipment or mode of transportation when you hunt Mule Deer in Idaho?
     
A.  ATV
B.  Car/Truck
C.  Horse/Pack Animals
D.  Mountain Bike
E.  On Foot
F.  Trail bike
     
   
29. Do you own an ATV or Trail Bike that you use while hunting Mule Deer in Idaho? (Please check one)
  YES     NO  →► Please continue to Question 32 below:    →►  ╗
  ╚► If YES, for how many years have you been using ATVs/trail bikes while hunting Mule Deer in Idaho? (Please enter your answer below) ▼
    ATV: Years Trail bike: Years  

 

30. How far do you typically ride your ATV/trail bike while hunting Mule Deer, in a single day?
(Please check only one response)
 0 - 5 Miles
 6 - 10 Miles
 11 - 15 Miles
 16 - 20 Miles
 More than 20 Miles

  

   
31. People have many reasons for using ATVs/trail bikes while they hunt. What motivates you to use one?
  
A. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to scout for game while riding on roads and trails G. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to get away from other hunters
B. ATVs/trail bikes help make up for physical limitations that I have H. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to retrieve my big game
C. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to travel to an area where I will hunt on foot I. ATVs/trail bikes help me haul hunting and camping supplies
D. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to hunt with my partners who use them J. ATVs/trail bikes give me added security and safety
E. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to get to the best hunting areas that are far from roads K. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to haul people to or from hunting camps
F. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to go further in less time L. ATVs/trail bikes allow me to hunt roads or trails that are closed to full-sized vehicles

 
32. How has YOUR hunting experience been affected by other hunters using ATVs or trail bikes while hunting?
  
A. Your hunting success has increased
 
B. The number of hunters you see using ATVs/trail bikes has increased
C. It takes you longer to harvest a deer
  
D. The amount of game you see has increased
  
E. ATVs/trail bikes are disturbing to you
  
F. You have not been negatively impacted by other hunters using ATVs/trail bikes while hunting
G. You seek out areas to hunt where there are fewer ATVs and trail bikes

  

33. In response to hunter concerns that ATV’s and trail bikes can disrupt hunts and disturb other hunters, and affect the health of game populations, the Idaho Fish & Game Commission adopted rules regulating the use of motorized vehicles by hunters in some hunting units. The rule states that in designated areas and hunts, hunters may only use motorized vehicles on established roadways that are open to motorized traffic and capable of being traveled by full-sized automobiles.

However, it is legal to :

n  To use an ATV/trail bike to pack in or out camping equipment
n  For holders of valid handicapped permits
n  To retrieve downed game
n  To operate on private land with permission from the landowner

To the best of your knowledge, did this “Motorized Vehicle Restriction Rule” apply to any of the units in which you hunted Mule Deer in 2006? (Please check one response)

 I am not familiar with the motorized vehicle restriction rule
 Yes, I'm sure it applied to one or more of the units I hunted
 I think it applied, but I'm not 100% sure
 I don't think it applied but I'm not 100% sure
 No, I'm sure it DID NOT apply to the units I hunted
I did not hunt Mule Deer in 2006
   
34. How do you feel about this "Motorized Vehicle Restriction Rule?" 
   
   
35. IF, over the next five years, restrictions on ATV/trail bike use were to be applied to more hunting units (including the units you hunt), how might you respond?
  
A. I would quit hunting in Idaho F. I would hunt more
B. I would still hunt in Idaho G. I would enjoy hunting less
C. I would hunt without an ATV/trail bike H. I would enjoy hunting more
D. I would hunt in a different area I. I would be a more successful hunter
E. I would hunt less J. I would be a less successful hunter

 
  Now, some questions about the satisfaction you experienced with Mule Deer hunting in Idaho in 2006.
   
36. How satisfied were you with each of the following aspects of your 2006 Mule Deer hunting experience?

          If you DID NOT hunt Mule Deer in 2006, please check here:     and skip to Question 38  →►

How Satisfied were you with these aspects of your 2006 Idaho Mule Deer Hunting Experience?
 

A. The number of deer you saw F. The number of other hunters you encountered
B. The size of bucks you saw G. The amount of access
C. The numbers of bucks you saw H. The overall quality of your Mule Deer experience
D. The length of the season I. The number of ATVs and trail bikes encountered
E. The timing of the deer season J. Having the opportunity to hunt Mule Deer in 2006

 
37. If you were Very Dissatisfied with any of the attributes above, please tell us why. (Please write in your reasons)

 
 

   
38. 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 Do not Favor
but
Would Accept		 Would not
Accept		 Need More
Information
 

 
39. During the last 5 years (2002-2006) have you been checked by an Idaho Conservation Officer while hunting? (Please check one response)

 

YES 

  NO  Please skip to question #40

 

                                      If YES, how would you rate your experience? 

 
Outstanding
A
Excellent
B
Adequate
C		 Less than Satisfactory
D
Unacceptable
F
 
   
40. How do you feel about Idaho Conservation Officers?
  The typical Idaho Conservation Officer is professional
  The typical Idaho Conservation Officer is friendly
  The typical Idaho Conservation Officer is knowledgeable

 
  Finally, some questions about you.
   
41. Where did you live in 2006? (Please check one)
Developed area (city, town, suburb) in IDAHO ►   } 42. How Many years have you lived in Idaho?
Rural area in IDAHO                                     ►
Developed area (city, town, suburb) Out-of-State  
Rural area Out-of-State  

 

43. What year were you born?   (Enter year)

   

44. 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 response)

        YES               NO
   
45. Are you: (Please check one) 
        Male               Female
   
46. Are you Hispanic or Latino/Latina: (Please check one) 
          YES                 NO
   
47. Are you: (Please check one)    
American Indian/Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Asian White
Black/African American    

 

48. During the 2006 hunting season were you: (Please check all that apply)
  
Employed Full-Time Homemaker
Employed Part-Time Unemployed
Student    
Retired    

 
 

We would appreciate your answering the next question. If, however you feel this is a private matter we respect your decision to not answer.
49. Which of the following best describes your total family income before taxes in 2006? (Please check one)
 
 
I'd rather not answer $80,000-$99,999
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 or More

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

 
   
   

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