Preliminary Results of the On-line Survey of Pheasant and Quail Stamp Buyers
The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to thank all who responded to our on-line survey of pheasant and quail stamp buyers. A total of 753 responses were recorded in this first effort of using the Internet to gather data directly from license buyers.
The following is a summary of the information we received:
- Respondents reported having hunted for an average of 11.5 years.
- 55% of stamp buyers were under the age of 40 while only 48% of the general license buyers were in this age group.
- Respondents actively hunted pheasant and quail an average of 7.9 days per year.
- Ocean County accounted for the greatest number of stamp buyers (10%).
- Assunpink is the most popular Wildlife Management Area (WMA) with 13% of the respondents hunting there.
- Many (63%) hunt more than one WMA each year with the average being 2.4 WMAs per season.
- Hunters appreciate company and 85% of the pheasant and quail stamp buyers are accompanied by an average of 2 other hunters when they go afield.
- Hunting with a dog is also popular with 63% reporting hunting with a dog.
- Pheasant and quail stamp buyers also pursue other game; 75% also report hunting for deer and 32% for ducks.
- 60% hunt both weekdays and Saturdays
- Of all the respondents 78% do not belong to a hunting club but 46% of respondents hunt private land in addition to Wildlife Management Areas.
- 45.4% of the WMA hunters reported bagging 6 or more pheasants during the most recent hunting season.
- The "number of pheasants stocked" was the most frequently reported enjoyment factor.
- "Crowding" was the least enjoyable aspect of the hunting experience reported by most respondents.
- 91% would hunt on Sundays, if Sunday hunting on WMAs was permitted.
- 86% reported that parking was adequate.
- Stamp buyers were evenly divided on whether the stamp was too expensive.
- The single most (80%) requested change in the program was to stock more birds.
The results of this survey will be combined with those from a similar mail questionnaire distributed on selected WMAs on opening day. The information generated will serve as a guide for program improvements planned for the near future.
Thanks again to all those who took the time to complete the survey. This type of information aids us in doing a better job of managing the states wildlife resource and providing wildlife-oriented recreation.
Joe Penkala, Supervising Biologist
Bureau of Wildlife Management