Scientific/Professional Management of Hunted Wildlife
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager

Recent public opinion surveys conducted by Responsive Management in January-February 2002 shows that science and professionalism in game management is very important to the public. The use of scientific information and the judgment of WDFW professionals in management decisions are rated very high by both the general public and hunters surveyed. While less important than scientific information and professional judgment, economic and social concerns were also highly rated in making management decisions. The only factor that was poorly rated was political concerns.

It was especially gratifying that the public shows such strong support for the science and judgment that biologists provide. However, it is also difficult to determine what that support really means. For example, using foothold traps to capture furbearers is consistent with scientific management, yet a citizen initiative restricted the use of these traps. Similarly, a two-point regulation for harvest of black-tailed deer bucks in some western Washington units and a restriction against harvest of hen pheasants in eastern Washington have limited basis in biology yet are strongly supported by hunters. It is obvious that while science and professional opinion are important, social and economic issues often drive public opinion and ultimately, harvest regulations.

The take home message is that while professionals and science are important, a good public involvement process is necessary for people to make up their own minds. The key is to develop programs that achieve biological objectives and are supported by the public.

Development of hunting seasons and regulations are therefore one of the most important issues for hunters. During a recent public involvement process it was learned that timing and length of deer and elks seasons were key issues. The WDFW will be initiating the process of developing hunting seasons and regulations for the next three years (2003-2005) that will include this expanded public involvement process.

Hunters surveyed indicated overall satisfaction with their hunting experience. Although eastern Washington pheasant hunters, waterfowl hunters, furbearer hunters, bear and cougar hunters, and even deer and elk hunter satisfaction could be better. Harvesting an animal (hunter success) and seeing plenty of game were the main reasons for satisfaction. Not enough game and dislike of the regulations or general management strategies were the main reasons given for dissatisfaction by deer and elk hunters. Eastern Washington pheasant hunters said not enough pheasants and few places to hunt were the two main reasons for their dissatisfaction. Others stated that not enough game, did not harvest any, too many hunters, weather was bad (waterfowl hunters), and dislike the regulations (especially furbearer, cougar, and bear hunters) were reasons for dissatisfaction.

It is fairly clear that harvest success plays a significant role in hunter satisfaction, yet when asked, hunters often rank ability to harvest much lower than things like hunting with friends and family, seeing game, low hunter density, etc. Specific responses to the hunter opinion survey on deer, elk, game birds, furbearers, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose and waterfowl management will be used to develop the next three year hunting season recommendations. The results of the opinion surveys will be posted on the Department Internet web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov/