Prethodno priopćenje
Importance of big-game non-resident hunters: The case of moose hunting in the state of Maine
Denis Auger
; Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Département des études en loisir, culture et tourisme, Trois-Rivières, Canada
Sažetak
This paper's interest lies in understanding the importance of big-game non-resident hunters and to illustrate this situation, it draws on the State of Maine as a case study. More than 13 million people participated in recreational hunting in the United States in 2001 and spent approximately 20 billion US dollars on hunting activities. Tourists visiting Maine also spend billions of dollars and are a very important part of the Maine economy. Moose hunting is an important part of the Maine tourism product and image. This study has attempted to profile the needs, satisfaction, participation, and socio-demographic characteristics of non-resident Maine moose hunters. The typical non-resident is a Caucasian male from the Northeastern region of the country who lives in rural areas, age 45 years or older, primarily interested in the hunting experience, even if he does not harvest a moose. Nearly 90% are satisfied with the overall experience of hunting moose in Maine. However, even if moose hunting in Maine is healthy, the future of hunting is not. Some of the major reasons for this uncertainty include: firearm restrictions, urbanization and loss of hunting tradition, the anti-hunting movement and society's increased concern for all wildlife species, a change in the age-sex structure of hunters, increased cost and complication of hunting, public perception that hunting threatens game populations, and dissatisfaction with the government's ability to properly manage the game resource and all hunters. Consequently, if the state wishes to maintain its status with regard to moose hunting, it will need to consolidate its strengths and address its weaknesses.
Ključne riječi
moose hunting; nature-based tourism; nature-based recreation; perceptions; attitudes; Maine
Hrčak ID:
161482
URI
Datum izdavanja:
8.9.2006.
Posjeta: 724 *