The Nexus of R3 and Deer Hunting

The 2022 National Survey reports 56% of U.S. hunting days target big game, most of which are for deer (all subspecies). Deer hunting opportunities have increased over the years as states have supported new harvest methods (muzzleloader, bow, crossbow, etc.) and as deer populations have grown. However, whether out of necessity or resulting from public demand, deer management decisions involving opportunity, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and antler restrictions more often impact deer hunting participation. Limited coordination between states’ deer managers and R3 professionals can lead to actions that hinder deer hunter recruitment and retention efforts, therefore limiting states’ impact on participation with R3 programs as indicated by license sales. In addition, both groups frequently make decisions based on limited data on deer hunter numbers, use of specific weapons (bow, traditional rifle, modern sporting rifle, crossbow, etc.), trends, and expected reactions to new opportunities and requirements. Plus, limited research is available on how factors such as CWD, license changes, likelihood of success and regulatory matters impact individual’s decisions to hunt deer, thus hindering R3 actions. Without deer and R3 managers working together to collect necessary information and coordinating efforts, R3 successes may continue to be unintentionally suppressed. By helping states understand the nexus between deer management, deer hunting opportunities, participation, and hunter R3 efforts, this project will help states’ R3 programs become more effective. Also, improved coordination and better hunter data will help states increase hunter satisfaction and better meet target harvest objectives. Led by a coalition of major hunting and R3 organizations - National Deer Association (NDA), Archery Trade Association (ATA), Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), and The Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports (CAHSS) - this project will identify trends in deer hunting participation, the importance of offering multiple deer opportunities (crossbow, youth seasons, etc.) in maintaining participation, the deer hunting knowledge gaps such as license holder trends and preferred weapons, expectations from deer hunting, how deer hunting interacts with hunting for other species, and how these factors may help or hinder hunting R3 efforts. This project will begin by gaining input from deer managers and state R3 leaders, thus providing a first step in better coordinating states’ R3 and biological efforts. Regional deer management and R3 committees will be engaged to identify knowledge gaps such as the number of deer hunting licenses sold (used as an indicator of participation) compared to actual participation, weapon preference trends, and how regulatory and disease factors may have impacted participation. The second phase will collect information from states to fill these gaps as best as possible. Using multivariate techniques, 20 years of license sales will be analyzed to better understand the effects of regulatory, disease and other changes on deer hunting participation. We will also survey U.S. deer hunters to understand how regulatory changes to deer hunting opportunities has impacted motivations and effort. The final phase will share results and recommendations across all levels of state agencies to increase understanding of how states’ biological and R3 functions can better work together to sustain and grow deer hunting. The deliverable will be a summary report, shared online and via presentations at national and regional R3 and deer management meetings, plus an NDA webinar for viewing on demand. The NDA will then lead efforts to continue discussions regarding how both parts of state agencies, with NGO support, can continue cooperative discussions and data collection efforts. The beneficiaries will be states’ R3 and deer management programs, and the benefits will be greater participation as indicated by license sales, plus greater deer hunting satisfaction.