In Pennsylvania, the impacts of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) overabundance on forested habitats have been profound. The spatial distribution of hunters is key to their effectiveness at managing deer populations. This study addresses how hunter move in “big woods” habitats, which may act as deer refugia if not accessed by hunters.
Previous studies on hunter distribution have primarily used hunter self-reports on topographic maps. This procedure can lead to distortion and bias, based on hunters’ skill in map interpretation. However, previous studies have not taken advantage of multiple methods that allow identifying the amount and type of distortion that may occur.
Our study in the Sproul State Forest, in central Pennsylvania, made use of multiple methods in assessing spatial distribution of hunters. Similar to other studies, we asked hunters to record their hunting day on a topographic map. However, our research used Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units to record actual hunter movement throughout the hunting day. We also utilized aerial flyovers to further triangulate the accuracy of the maps. Following a randomized allocation procedure, 100 GPS units were distributed each of five study days between “check stations” (to capture drive-in hunters) and among permanent hunter camps within the Sproul State Forest.
In addition to the GPS units, a short questionnaire was distributed at both the check stations and hunter camps. The questionnaire consisted of a Sproul State Forest map on one side, and a series of questions about hunter behaviors on the reverse. Although only one hunter per car or cabin was distributed a GPS unit, all other hunters made contact with during the study days received this questionnaire. Thus, we were able to match an individual’s GPS unit output with his or her map and survey data to obtain a more accurate picture of hunter distribution throughout the landscape.
Supplementary URL: