2013-2014 Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Report: Harvest, Season Preferences, and Digest Use

• Main Authors: Stephenson, Andrew L., Williams, Brent D., Campbell, Linda K., Miller, Craig A.
• Other Authors: INHS Human Dimensions Research Program
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Illinois Natural History Survey 2014
• Subjects: Illinois waterfowl hunters; September teal season; Goose hunters; Canadian geese; Canada; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/61936

A total of 3,278(46%response rate) Illinois waterfowl hunters responded to the 2013-14Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey. An estimated 49,170 waterfowl hunters spent1,052,728 days afield, adecreaseof 8.9% from the 1,155,346 days devoted during the 2012-2013 license year. Waterfowl harvest increased 4.3%, from 580,557 during 2012-13to 605,720 during 2013-14.Duck harvest estimates for the regular duck season were as follows: 225,873 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), 49,001wood ducks (Aix sponsa), and 155,306 other ducks. A total of 21,967 teal (Anasspp.) were harvested during the September teal season. Goose hunters harvested 104,887Canada geese (Branta canadensis) during the regular Canada goose season, a 44.3% increase from the 72,682 Canadageese harvested during the 2012-13regular goose season. Hunters harvested 15,644 Canada geese during the September Canada goose season, a 13.2% decrease from the previous year. During the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season, 8,438 adults took 8,639 youths waterfowl hunting, a 7.8% increase in adult participation and a 13.6% decrease in youth participation from the 2012-13 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season.Duck hunterpreference for season dates and zones,satisfaction with the waterfowl seasons, and record keeping are also discussed. Illinois Natural History Survey unpublished not peer reviewed Open