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Drivers of hunter compliance and satisfaction with mandatory harvest reporting

Van Buskirk, Amanda1; Boley, B. Bynum1; Killmaster, Charlie2; Johannsen, Kristina2; D'Angelo, Gino1

Published Dec 11, 2024 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.wm37pvmxx

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Dec 11, 2024 version files 272.18 KB

Abstract

Hunter harvest data are important components of game species management and conservation, and natural resource agencies often use self-reporting mechanisms to collect harvest data. Despite the advantages of self-reporting systems, hunter noncompliance with mandatory reporting remains a challenge for managers. Our objective was to utilize the Theory of planned behavior (TPB) and concepts of organizational trust to understand factors influencing hunter compliance and satisfaction with mandatory harvest reporting. We distributed questionnaires through email channels and postcards mailed to resident deer hunters in Georgia, USA. Structural equation model results from the 1,712 survey responses suggest that TPB constructs (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, social norms), organizational trust, and satisfaction with hunting experience positively influenced satisfaction with mandatory reporting. In contrast, the number of years an individual has been hunting negatively influences satisfaction. Further, we tested a binary logistic regression model to predict potential drivers of compliant behavior with harvest reporting requirements. Our model found that attitudes, social norms, and satisfaction with reporting positively impacted reporting compliance. However, results also indicate that older, more experienced hunters were less likely to report harvests. Our findings suggest that targeting efforts towards increasing trust, positive attitudes, and satisfaction with regulations and regulatory systems among older, more experienced hunters may positively influence compliant behavior. Our study emphasizes the importance of engaging hunters in regulatory decision-making processes and improving agency-hunter relationships to achieve greater regulatory compliance and satisfaction.