Research Associate: Susan Schroeder.
Minnesota has generally been in the top 3 states for number of waterfowl hunters in the United States. In recent years we have expanded efforts to obtain quantitative information about opinions and motivations for this important clientele. Minnesota participated in the North American Duck Hunter Survey and Minnesota hunter responses were compared to those in other States. More recently, reports documenting hunter activity and opinions following the 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2007 waterfowl hunting seasons were completed. A survey following the 2010 season is currently being analyzed. In addition, a series of surveys looking at hunter recruitment and retention were completed following the 2005 waterfowl hunting season and a study of former waterfowl hunters was completed following the 2009 season. Information from these reports has been used to inform management decisions. We conducted a surveys following the 2010 and 2011 waterfowl seasons. This study will allow continued long-term monitoring of trends in hunter satisfaction and attitudes toward management.