Hypothetical Research Question

If AU researchers were interested in getting information on attitudes and opinions of deer hunters, and we created an online survey (which would be 100% anonymous), how many of you would fill out the survey? We're trying to figure out the best way to get information on hunters.

The ultimate goal of the research would be to use the information that is learned to better satisfy hunters.

I would. Good to see your posting.

Deer hunters anywhere, or just deer hunters in Alabama?

Either way, I'd do it.

We aren't sure at this time. We don't have the research questions, just some general discussions on what we could do, and so we are also considering the best way to poll and get adequate sample size..

Hey Dr. Ditchkoff. I think you would get a lot of participants from the site. Also, the fact that it would be a non-DCNR survey wouldn't hurt participation either.

I would and I'm sure there's gonna be a bunch of folks get on here and say they would too....BUT....I'm guessing that when the time comes that there won't be anywhere near the same amount of participation. That's not to hack on anyone its just the reality of it. You would almost have to incentivize it in some way I believe.

How many folks would actually go and take a survey for a bonus buck tag or something of that nature?

Glad to see you back, Doc.

I'd update my original statement to say if the survey is incentivized or tied in with the department or any kind of tag thing, I woudn't participate.

People shouldn't have to be given a trophy and ice cream all the time just to provide honest input.

They shouldn't have to but you won't get half the participants to actually take the survey that will get on this thread and say they will. The day that email comes across the screen they'll at best procrastinate and say they'll do it later....many will likley just pass right over it. Tell them they can have an extra buck tag though and people would probably stand iine to take the survey and then never even fill the extra tag

I'd rather get honest answers than something from the Society of Gimmie spurred by trying to get a chance at a buck tag.

Offering an incentive to take the survey has nothing to do with the amount of "honest" information obtained. "Incentives matter" is a basic economic principle. Offering an incentive is just a way to get the behavior you're wanting to happen. In this case it's to simply take the survey....it has nothing to do with how it is answered

Steve, Aldeer is happy to help however we can. You have my direct email and let me know how I can help.

We don’t have “buck tags” anyway

Id fill it out...itd b nice to know my opinion somewhat mattered

I would fill it out. As long as not to much personal Information is required and the link was posted on here. If the links not posted on here I probably won’t see it.

I’d fill it out

Yes, no incentive needed

Yep, I’d fill it out. No need for payment.

Just for anyone who may be interested in reading it...……

https://fee.org/articles/the-power-of-incentives/

Yeah I do the turkey one for the state already

Just having access to the end result is incentive enough I believe.

I would like to participate in your survey.

Just a bit of advice. Don't mention any involvement by the DCNR or Chuck Sykes if you want a high response rate on Aldeer.

Count me in.

For a study conducted by a respected biologist that I thought might do some good for the wildlife or the hunter, sure.

Yes

Absolutely Doc. Anything to help.

In---- Doc---Ernie

I’ll participate.

I’m in

absolutely

I would.

Yes.

I will fill it out.

Welcome Back Doctor. Many here respect you and appreciate the information you give us.

Yes, can you give us an example of a question or 2.

Yes

I'd do one

I’m in

Yep. sounds good.

X2

I would

Steve, so good to see you back on Aldeer.

I would be more than happy to participate in a survey.

No incentive needed here.

Sorry...I don't have any questions to give you at this time. The main point of the post was to gauge the willingness of aldeer folks to fill out a survey...nothing more. If we do choose to conduct some survey work, and if the social science experts we work with choose to post the survey to aldeer (they're the experts and so will have to decide where the most suitable locations to get survey respondents to ensure accuracy of data, non-bias, etc.), then there will include a full description of what, why, how, etc.

Thanks to everyone for responding to my question. Hopefully at some point down the road there will be a link posted on aldeer where you can go and fill out a survry.

I would

Glad to see you are getting the Social Science folks to QC the survey. That is what they do for a living.

I’d fill it out.

I would.

I'd fill it out.

Absolutely

I'm in.

Im in

I would.

“Accuracy. non-bias.” On an internet forum? Sure, what could go wrong with that?

IN

Absolutely.

Hey Doc, did you have land in Chambers County.? We used to have a neighbor at our lease, that was a game biologist from Auburn.

count me in

No...wasn't me.

That is why they are having Social Science folks build the survey. They know how to frame and ask questions and they can sort out the garbage. When you launch a survey at 250k people you need an expert to do it right.

In

More than happy to

I would

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Love to help

I would as well

I'm your huckelberry

The movie scene came to mind of Tom Cruise's character Jerry Maquire, when (in bathroom scene) Jerry (Jerry is you, Dr. Ditchkoff) got so frustrated with his client (Rod Tidwell is Alabama hunters) when all Jerry's trying to do is help his client, Rod Tidwell. "Help me help you!!!!!" Most of Alabama hunters (outdoors ppl) understand the need for information and data. However, there are some hunters that just won't let you, or the state, or any government entity help them and help make it all better for all of us... including the game or fish that's being harvested.

Thanks for trying to improve it for the good of us all!!

The states job is not to satisfy hunters , it's job is to do what's is best for the deer herd .

Thank you sir.

Happy to help.

I disagree.....I believe it to be a balancing act between both. Of course when push comes to shove doing what's best to insure the long term sustainability of the deer herd trumps hunter satisfaction if it comes down to it.....however, is things are being managed well enough then there is plenty of wiggle room within the states management decisions to allow for different things that the hunting public expresses they would like see happen take place in the process. Hunter satisfaction plays a big role in it because its the hunters' dollars in many instances that pay for the herd to be taken care of in the first place. If hunters aren't happy and helping to support the endeavor.... then there's no money to do what's best, worst or anything in between. The powers that be have a heck of juggling act to pull off. It could be a whole lot simpler if the hunting public was more educated and had a better overall understanding of deer and habitat, etc.....That's tough to do though when very few are open to learn anything new and many folks already know it all. Many of the loudest opinions are the least knowledgeable or the most closed off to listening to a different opinion than what they already believe to know.

Cnc ,,, that's in the end still doing what's best for the herd . . You do what's best for the herd opportunities will be there

That sounds like the Commissioner needs to be doing a better job at his job.

"In addition to his or her role as custodian of the state's land and wildlife, the commissioner is charged with "[carrying] on a program of education and public enlightenment with respect to the wildlife and other natural resources."

I hear you.....pretty tough crowd to try and teach anything new to though......


One of the biggest problems we've had over the last couple of decades with deer management has come from not understanding the complete impact the coyote would have as it established its foot hold more and more....How could we have known for sure though until it played out....a lot of it has been speculation and limited research ....Heck, its really still playing out right now and we're still learning more. I suspect we'll have to make more changes in the future as a result if hunters habits don't change before hand.