Searching for Harmony in the Outdoors: An Exploration of Hunting and Fishing Participation in Michigan

Presenter(s)

Jerome Hamilton Jr

Abstract or Description

Hunting and fishing are important because of the physical and mental health benefits that they offer to participants and the monetary support that they provide for conservation in the United States. However, hunting has struggled to become relevant to a diverse audience of Americans resulting in declining numbers nationally, and many recreators of color face constrains to participating in fishing. These trends threaten conservation funding and signal disparities in the ability to accrue health benefits from these activities. In an effort to increase participation, scholars have gathered information about the motivations and constraints of hunters and anglers, and have studied the behavioral intentions of prospective hunters and anglers; however, little research has attempted to connect the motivations and constraints of prospective hunting and fishing participants to that of the current participants. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to understand the constraints and motivations of hunters, anglers, and general outdoor recreationists through a survey of Michigan recreators. In addition, rather than only asking about constraints, the survey will ask each participant to identify solutions that they believe are most likely to improve their access to and enjoyment of outdoor recreation areas. The results of this study are expected to inform the development of successful campaigns that recruit and retain diverse hunter and angler populations, thereby spreading the known physical and mental health benefits of these forms of recreation and preventing the evaporation of funds for conservation. 

Mentor

Dr. Daniel Kramer