Waterfowl Hunt Program Evaluation

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Background

The Department of Conservation reviewed the Managed Waterfowl Hunt Program to determine if any changes were needed. This program strives to provide quality hunting experiences and equal opportunities in a manner that encourages participation of new and more seasoned hunters.

Data Sources

For this evaluation, we used data sources that included daily green cards, statistics from the daily drawings, and hunter opinion survey results.

Info from Webcasts

We presented some results from our data analysis through live webcasts on Sept. 6 and 12.

September 6 Webcast

September 12 Webcast

Next Steps

Managers from our 15 managed wetland areas across the state will develop recommendations for potential changes to the morning draw and reservation systems. These recommendations will be posted in the draw rooms and online during this duck season so hunters have additional opportunities to discuss them with MDC staff. We will make final decisions in early 2019 and any adjustments could be made as early as the 2019 duck season.

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Managed Waterfowl Hunt Program Five-Year Evaluation
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Evaluated how well the Waterfowl Hunt Program is doing in these areas:

  • Providing equal opportunity
  • Providing a quality drawing, reservation, and hunting experience
  • Promoting conservation among hunters
  • Using efficient processes to manage the hunt program (e.g., staff time, funds, infrastructure)

What we heard from hunters:

  • Generally satisfied with the quality of hunting provided on MDC areas
  • More dissatisfied with the reservation and morning drawing systems

Survey Results Showed:

Offering two reservation options at all areas will accommodate the most hunters.

Bar graph showing percentage of hunters that were accommodated
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For reservations, most hunters would like to know their number ahead of time, rather than drawing it the morning of the hunt.

Waterfowl survey data shown in bar graph
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One Member Draw at all areas will accommodate the preferences of the most hunters.

Waterfowl survey data shown in bar graph
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Adjustments Under Consideration

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At all 15 managed hunter areas:

  • Have only One Member Draw and eliminate Every Member Draw
  • Reservation – Poor Line Allocation
    • 25% pre-season reservations
    • 25% weekly reservation drawing
    • 50% poor line
  • Provide reservation holders with their number ahead of time
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  • Require that reservation applicants have small game and migratory bird licenses in order to apply for all reservations (unless exempt from purchasing permits)
  • Move toward electronic reservations for ADA blinds
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January – March 2019:

  • Present recommendations to MDC Regulations Committee and Commission

2019 Duck Hunting Season:

  • Implement approved changes