A 2-tiered Duck Regulation Experiment: Can a Simplified Regulation Option Increase Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation of Duck Hunters in South Dakota and Nebraska?

PARTICIPANTS

Jacob Bushaw, Two-Tiered Waterfowl Biologist
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 

Rocco Murano, Senior Waterfowl Biologist
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks

OVERVIEW

Declines in waterfowl hunter participation in the Central Flyway and across North America have been well documented. These declines are a concern for the potential loss of financial and political support for waterfowl conservation and the duck hunting tradition. While the reasons for this decline are many, the ability to identify ducks on the wing has been identified as a potential barrier for prospective duck hunters. Through a partnership with the Central Flyway Council, USFWS, SDGFP, and NGPC we intend to evaluate a "2-tiered" regulation system whereby hunters can choose either a standard package with all species and sex restrictions or a simplified 3 duck limit without restriction.