SEAFWA 2016

AUTHORS: Lucien P. Laborde, Jr., School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University; Michael D. Kaller, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University; Larry A. Reynolds, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: We surveyed Louisiana waterfowl hunters using 3 distribution methods – 2,500 by random mail, 24,842 by e-mail, and by open web convenience sample following the 2014-2015 hunting season. We asked identical questions about waterfowl hunting effort, success, satisfaction, attitudes toward proposed regulations, and demographics. We hypothesized no statistically significant differences (≤ 0.05) no differences in demographic, satisfaction, or attitudinal variables, but higher levels of effort and success in the convenience sample. After elimination of duplicate responses, we received 603 usable responses to the random mail survey, 4,873 usable responses to the e-mail survey, and 1,480 usable responses to the open web survey. We compared results across survey methods using generalized linear models (GLMs) with Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests. In tests of 3 variables measuring effort and harvest, 6 variables measuring hunter satisfaction, 6 variables measuring attitudes towards proposed regulations, and 7 demographic variables, we identified no significant differences between any of the 3 methods in responses to 6 attitudinal variables. Compared to the random mail survey respondents, e-mail survey respondents were statistically similar in harvest, demographics, and satisfaction, but differed in consistency of effort. Respondents to the open web survey were significantly younger, more avid, harvested more waterfowl, and were less satisfied. The cost per usable response for the random mail, e-mail, and open web surveys were $85.41, $0.36, and $1.18, respectively. Analysis of attitudes towards proposed regulations would lead to identical managerial conclusions irrespective of survey method.

AUTHORS: Sarah Barrett, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ABSTRACT: The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) aims to prevent human-bear conflicts in an effort to protect people and bears across the 15 states of the Southeastern U.S. The term Bear Wise was adopted by SEAFWA for use by its membership to represent communities implementing practices that reduce or eliminate human-bear conflicts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed a statewide resolution in 2015 highlighting the importance of securing bear attractants in urban and rural areas and began implementing a Bear Wise program. As a state agency in the spotlight concerning bear management, FWC is poised to make great strides with the Bear Wise initiative.

While more than 19 communities throughout North America have successfully reduced human-bear conflicts by adopting Bear Wise practices, such as by-laws or ordinances, Florida has at least five locations that have done the same. These examples outlining the effectiveness of following the Bear Wise model include: Hurlburt Air Field in Okaloosa County that reduced their human-bear conflicts by 70%, Wingfield North in Seminole County, which experienced a significant drop in human-bear conflicts within a few months of implementation, and the communities of St. Teresa and Alligator Point in Franklin County and Ave Maria in Collier County that are observing reductions in their conflicts with bears and other wildlife since implementing Bear Wise practices.

AUTHORS: Brett Stayton, Clemson University; Lincoln R. Larson, Clemson University; Ryan L. Sharp, Kansas State University; Adam Ahlers, Kansas State University

ABSTRACT: Declining participation in hunting, driven in part by decreasing numbers of young adult hunters, is a major concern for wildlife agencies that rely on hunting to achieve management objectives and generate revenue for conservation. We focused on a key population of young adults, college students, to examine their hunting-related beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. During Spring 2016, we conducted a web-based survey of a random, representative sample of undergraduate students at two major land grant universities in the southeastern United States: one in the Southeast (n=764) and one in the Midwest (n=4,864). We found a higher hunting participation rate than anticipated, with 39-41% of the respondents at both schools reporting previous hunting experience. (Non-response bias checks confirmed this participation rate.) About 32-35% of respondents indicated they would consider hunting in the future, and 71-72% said they approved or strongly approved of hunting. Prominent barriers to hunting included a preference for other recreation activities, lack of free time, and a lack of knowledge/skills required to hunt and prepare game meat. Wildlife conservation was important to more than 80% of respondents at both schools. Results have significant implications for hunter recruitment and retention (HRR). Although most college students do not hunt, they approve of hunting and support conservation. Almost 2/3 of non-hunters indicated they would consider hunting in the future. Our analysis highlights social and environmental correlates of hunting participation (and support) among college students and offers insights that should inform the development of young hunters and hunting advocates.

AUTHORS: Mitch Samaha , Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: The Terrebonne Aquatic Clinic (TAC) is an educational clinic designed to promote interest in sport fishing and facilitate stewardship of the fisheries and natural resources of Louisiana. Program development was initiated in 1995 by approaching the Terrebonne Parish School Board with the idea of free educational workbooks developed by LDWF Education staff which correlated to science curriculum standards. Every fifth-grade public school in Terrebonne parish participates, reaching a multitude of demographics. The TAC culminates in an educational field day scheduled at the end of the school year to give students hands on field experience relevant to their classroom studies. The field day consists of 6 educational stations on a 25 minute rotation. The program has changed many times over its 21 year history in order to maintain the program’s existence and improve its function, including development of educational stations that meet benchmarks in science and environmental education. Over 25,000 students from a multitude of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds have participated in the clinic. Evaluations from teachers over the 21 year span have proven to be 100% favorable. The TAC is an example of state agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations cooperating to expand outdoor and environmental education.

AUTHORS: Elizabeth F. Pienaar, University of Florida; David Telesco, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Sarah Barrett, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ABSTRACT: In 2009, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began surveying individuals who reported human–bear conflicts. The purpose of this survey is to assess whether individuals take actions recommended by the FWC to reduce or eliminate conflicts. Using logit analysis, we determined which factors influenced the likelihood that surveyed individuals would follow the advice provided by the FWC for managing human–bear conflicts. We found outreach efforts by the FWC increased the probability that people who report conflicts to the agency adopted recommended measures to reduce these conflicts. Our results indicate that outreach efforts by wildlife agencies increase the likelihood that people will alter their behavior to reduce human–bear conflicts.

AUTHORS: Ryan Hamm, Eric Nagid, Craig Mallison - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ABSTRACT: Orange Lake is a large (5,000 ha) and shallow (mean depth 1.7 m) eutrophic water body located in Alachua County, Florida which presents a unique set of management challenges. Orange Lake is renowned for its high-quality bass fishing and rural setting, but also experiences drastic water level fluctuations which cause habitat shifts, habitat degradation, and creates conditions suitable for the formation of floating vegetation (tussocks) which can impede access. In order to identify and evaluate the effects of habitat enhancement projects, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) developed habitat management guidelines which utilized aerial mapping and GIS analysis to quantify habitat value for focal fish and wildlife taxa. Using habitat target ranges and a relative habitat value for eight focal taxa, biologists identified potential management projects. As dynamic as Orange Lake is, its stakeholder’s range of desires are equally variable. Besides habitat quality and access, stakeholders are also concerned with nutrient levels, impacts to groundwater, environmental impacts of management techniques, etc. To best manage this system FWC had to incorporate stakeholder input into future plans. Therefore, FWC hired an outside contractor to guide stakeholder outreach, facilitate meetings and provide writing services on a habitat management plan that utilized stakeholder input upfront. Input was attained through four public meetings, interviews with stakeholders that represented various interests, and online surveys. This information was used to draft a management plan that will inform FWC’s actions on Orange Lake for the next 5 years.

AUTHORS: Lowell Ballard, Timmons Group

ABSTRACT: An effective app doesn’t just present a multitude of information; it presents this information efficiently. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) wanted to update a legacy web application created several years ago titled “Find Game”. VDGIF has distinct users that it needs to provide targeted information to: hunters, wildlife viewers, anglers, and boaters. By creating designated paths through the site for each user group, VDGIF can deliver relevant content and tailored information based on communities of interest.

Timmons Group analyzed the existing version and spoke with numerous users and subject matter experts to understand the underlying issues and desired outcomes. Timmons Group utilized its user interface and user experience (UI/UX) experts to model the application based off specific user stories. The Timmons Group application development team used Agile techniques to help in the design process presenting various “iterations” of wireframes for the product owner on VDGIF’s side to review.

The final product is an enhanced user interface with multiple landing pages specific to user interests. From hunting and fishing, to simple bird watching, users are able to filter their search but they are given valuable data based on their search criteria.

AUTHORS: Heather Feeler, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: We are bombarded with thousands of messages every single day. How do we make the conservation message resonate, or even be remembered, in a world of 24-hour news cycles and drama-filled celebrity banter? Unfortunately, there’s no magic-bullet answer, but we can take a page from the masters of storytelling—good ole’ Hollywood—to give us a better roadmap.

Impactful storytelling is vital to reaching new conservationists, or those audiences not yet engaged in conservation efforts. But what makes a good story that leaves a lasting impression? How do we tweak our messages to reach new audiences? How do we share our conservation story in such a way to spur people into action to be future conservationists?

Presentation will include:

• Elements of story that make it great (Hollywood knows!);
• Engaging the smart, scientific brains in our agency for story starters;
• Modifying our messages in unique way to reach different audiences;
• Understanding the king of content in today’s fast-moving world;
• Using social media to tell our story and listen to the story of others.

Participants will also have a chance to ask questions, as well as share any best practices from their agency on impactful storytelling, if time at the end. While there won’t be any popcorn during the show, we hope this is one presentation you won’t want to miss, especially for your key agency “storytellers.”

AUTHORS: Brett Stayton, Clemson University; Lincoln R. Larson, Clemson University; CPT John W. Downer, II, SC Department of Natural Resources; LT Kimberly D. Leverich, SC Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Hunter recruitment and retention is a high priority within the wildlife management community yet hunting participation remains low among youth and young adults, groups whose attitudes and behaviors will substantially impact the future of hunting. Wildlife agencies across the US are therefore introducing a variety of hunting clinics designed to foster mentoring opportunities and skill development. However, little research has evaluated the effects of these clinics on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of new hunters. Using a longitudinal data collection approach, our study examined the effects of different types of hunting clinics held during 2015-16 in SC: one group clinics targeting youth (n = 77) and their parents/guardians (n = 63), and a special clinic designed for college students (n = 19). Youth clinics primarily attracted individuals already socialized into hunting, though they helped to reinforce positive perceptions of hunting, and produce significant gains in confidence with respect to hunting-related skills. Almost all youth (96%) planned to hunt following the clinic, most of them (86%) with the adult that accompanied them to the clinic. The college student clinic targeted non-hunters (only 14% of attendees had previously hunted) and revealed even more pronounced gains with respect to perceptions of hunting, confidence in hunting-related skills, and ability to overcome hunting barriers. The young adult clinic also increased the likelihood of future hunting participation. As the study continues, we will investigate hunting behaviors one year after the clinics and identify optimal strategies for fostering enduring connections between youth, young adults, and hunting.

AUTHORS: John E. Sturgis, Bradley Jackson - Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

ABSTRACT: The Honey Island Shooting Range (HISR) is a nine acre recreational shooting complex located on the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area in Southeast Louisiana. This facility is owned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and operated by a third party, non-profit organization. Since 1994, a lease and operating agreement has existed between LDWF and Southeast Louisiana Firearms Safety, Inc. (SELFS) assigning operational authority of this range to SELFS. This cooperative agreement has benefited LDWF and range users by reducing staffing needs while simultaneously providing active, on site, range management. The SELFS organization recruits and trains volunteers to safely operate the range, and teaches hunter education courses to the general public. The usage of a non-profit third party entity for management purposes has resulted in substantial savings in both money and manpower, as well as generating volunteer hours which are used to match Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid Funds. HISR serves as a potential range management model for state agencies attempting to expand public shooting opportunities while minimizing agency expenses.

AUTHORS: Craig Gothreaux, Heather David, Ashley Ferguson - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: Angler-based tagging programs provide an opportunity for the public to engage in science and contribute to fisheries research, management, and conservation. The Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program is a collaborative effort that allows citizen scientist to join forces with fishery biologists to tag and release fish, collect ancillary data over a wide geographic and temporal range, and report recaptures of these tagged fish. The program originated in 1988 with a focus on red drum, but has grown substantially in recent years with the involvement of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Extension/Outreach section. There are over 700 volunteer anglers actively participating, with an average of over 30,000 fish being tagged annually. There is also a group of elite taggers (that tag well over 100 fish per year) which are currently involved in a field study to evaluate different tag types. Furthermore, these citizen scientists also assist with fish collection for the Lake Pontchartrain acoustic telemetry project that involves surgical implantation of transmitters by biologists. As a way to share the information collected from the various tagging programs, websites have been created to allow the public to interface with the conventional tagging program (www.taglouisiana.com) and to visualize the movements of the acoustically tagged fish (louisianafisheries.net/telemetry/). These efforts have combined to successfully engage recreational anglers through outreach and foster the enthusiasm of citizen scientists eager to join forces with fisheries biologists towards an overarching goal of responsible resource management and conservation.

AUTHORS: Alayna McGarry, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has expanded on its aquatic education instructor program in order to reach more individuals across the entire state. The goal is to train volunteers to help us increase awareness and participation in recreational fishing in Louisiana. The program consists of a free hands-on training course in which participants are taught how to host their own event to share knowledge of Louisiana fisheries and teach others how to fish. Now known as the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program (Aquatic VIP), we have trained just over 50 volunteers in the past year. Whether it’s as simple of an activity like casting practice with backyard bass or as in-depth of a lesson like fish anatomy, this Program covers it all. Aquatic VIP supplies the volunteers with lesson plans, activity guides, educational material and loaner kits to be utilized at events. With Aquatic VIP expanding and reaching more parts of Louisiana, the future of this program is bright. Thanks to these volunteers, the public will continue to be taught about their role in conserving Louisiana’s aquatic resources

AUTHORS: Angela Capello, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: WETSHOP (Wetland Education Teacher workshop), sponsored by LA Dept. Wildlife & Fisheries, is a coastal awareness workshop for teachers which provides an in-depth look at issues related to wetland ecology and coastal land loss in Louisiana. During this week-long wetlands institute, teachers spend a portion of each day in the field learning about maritime forests, barrier island beach ecology, coastal restoration, ornithology, coastal botany and the role of oil and gas in Louisiana. Pre-test and post-test data indicate an increase in scientific content knowledge. WETSHOP is a stewardship project which encourages WETSHOP graduates to implement wetland projects with their students, other teachers and their community.

AUTHORS: Rob Southwick, Southwick Associates; American Sportfishing Association; National Shooting Sports Foundation

ABSTRACT: Today, fishing activity is up compared to just ten years ago. But why? Have we recruited more anglers or did we increase the rate with which anglers renew their licenses? What’s the trend among younger anglers, women? Are there regional issues to address? Answers to these questions, and others, are critical insights for the recreational fishing communities in their efforts to maximize participation and returns on future marketing investments.

With the support of the American Sportfishing Association and state fish and wildlife agencies, Southwick Associates undertook an in-depth exploration of historical fishing license sales data from twelve states across the nation. We identify key segments within the angling population: those who are retained year after year, those who recently stepped away from the sport but are returning to the sport, and those who are new to the sport. Based on their activity levels, we uncover new insights about today’s angling population after exploring their demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and other factors influencing their desire to fish.

AUTHORS: Megan MacMenamin, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABSTRACT: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has launched a new community fishing program called Get Out and Fish!. Through this program LDWF strives to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers to the sport of fishing. The creation of a quality fishery provides residents of all ages and abilities easy access to a fun fishing experience. The Get Out and Fish! program promotes family and community interactions and provides educational opportunities to teach children and adults how to fish.

LDWF biologists select a community pond that is located in close proximity to a city, town, or village and is accessible to the general public. LDWF then partners with the local government or community organization to provide quality fishing with great odds of catching fish by stocking adult size channel catfish and rainbow trout. LDWF assists with scheduling the fish stocking and provides technical or pond management assistance. In addition, LDWF staff and volunteers assist the local organization in hosting a Get Out and Fish! event in conjunction with the initial stocking of fish. These events have both a family friendly fishing competition as well as educational fishing activities. For those anglers who are less experienced we provide instruction on casting, bait selection, knot tying, fish identification and more.

AUTHORS: Alex Prentice, Missouri Department of Conservation; Lowell Ballard, Timmons Group

ABSTRACT: The Find MO Fish app was designed with an innovative user-interface for anglers and other non-technical users. The app features custom maps allowing users to view fishing resources such as; location maps, bathymetry data and boat ramps. One of the most popular features is the inclusion of more than 4000 mapped fish attractors in managed water bodies. Anglers are able to locate areas where MDC staff made habitat improvements to public water bodies including the location and type of habitat structure.

Users of the app are able to find water bodies of interest, locate boat ramps and other access points, and navigate to their favorite fishing spots. The app includes a Fish Guide which allows users to peruse a list of fish species found in Missouri waters and also visualize the best bets for any water body. Users can also view photos, distribution in Missouri, and detailed information about each species.

The current product timeline includes exciting new features coming this year such as the ability to purchase and store permits on the app, the ability to bookmark locations, create and manage a journal, and gamification elements (e.g., badges, rewards and social integration).

The app is available for Apple and Android. In this talk we will detail lessons-learned and the process used to create this solution.

AUTHORS: Lara Milligan, UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County; Shannon Carnevale, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

ABSTRACT: With the expansion of technology and a push for social media, Agents collaborated to offer a webinar series for the public. The Wildlife Wednesday Webinar series was offered on the third Wednesday of every month, August through December, from 12:15-1:00pm as a lunch & learn opportunity. Webinars are common among professionals, but are an innovative tool for reaching the general public. They have proven to be an excellent resource for environmental outreach with a goal to advance the knowledge of participants about local wildlife and ways to coexist with them. A total of five webinars were offered in 2015 reaching 147 people. Each webinar concluded with a link to an online evaluation. Eighty participants completed an evaluation for a 54% response rate. A retrospective pre/post question about knowledge prior to and after the webinar showed a 63% increase in knowledge (on a five-point scale) from an average score of 2.7 prior to the webinars and 4.4 after, and 55% (n=76) strongly agreed and 45% agreed that the information participants received in the webinar will help them to better protect natural resources (native plants and animals). The information learned was also extremely likely (57%) and likely (38%) to be shared with others. Webinars are a great way to reach the public who are already interacting with computers and cell phones as part of their daily routine, and they are highly transferable for use in public education programs in other states.  

AUTHORS: Karen Crabtree, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 

ABSTRACT: Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Camp is an educational program designed to promote participation in outdoor activities, awareness of conservation efforts of Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources, as well as develop an appreciation of the outdoors in general.  The program began 20 years ago and has evolved over the years.  However, its primary focus remains to develop interpersonal relationships among the families attending the camps through participation in outdoor activities.  The camp is held on weekends to maximize participation opportunity, and offers an assortment of outdoor activities.  Families are grouped with 2-3 other families to facilitate a bonding relationship within the outdoor experience.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries personnel have observed continued personal interactions among camp attendees for many years after initial participation.  An independent study performed by Responsive Management showed high outdoor activity retention among many of the families that attended.  In addition, participant evaluations upon completion of the camp have consistently indicated attendees plan to continue partaking in the outdoor activities learned at the camp.  The program accepts 8-10 families in two camps held annually.  A Father/Child camp is held in the spring and a Mother/Child follows in the fall.  Age limits have been set to maximize the child’s ability to participate in the array of activities offered.  Based on experience, we have concluded that children ages 10-15 have the best experience and stamina to participate in all activities.  FUN Camp is an action packed weekend full of outdoor experiences that many of the participants have never been exposed to prior to attending.