In the words of Richard Dawson on “Family Feud,” “And the survey says …..” It was May when the Tennessee Wildlife Federation conducted a survey about deer hunting and management. TWF is a private conservation organization that works and lobbies on behalf of sportsmen and conservationists in Tennessee. Mike Butler, TWF CEO, said the survey is part of a long-term effort to better assess the opinions of deer hunters across the state.
“Deer hunting is huge in this state,” Butler said. “It’s a huge tradition, and it’s a huge funding source for conservation. But I’m not sure anyone has really evaluated what deer hunters are thinking. We want to truthfully listen to what sportsmen are talking about.”
Results from the TWF survey were released this week. Although the range of questions hit numerous topics, Butler said there was one thing that stuck out to him the most. Of the people who don’t deer hunt, 21 percent answered “no place to hunt” as the reason.
“We confirmed that ‘no place to hunt’ is a significant issue,” Butler said. “That is a real critical issue that we need to find creative ways to address.”
A hot button issue among many deer hunters is the statewide bag limit, currently set at a maximum of three bucks. Fifty-six percent of those surveyed said they think the bag limit should remain at three bucks. Twenty-four percent said it should be reduced to two bucks, while 14 percent want the bag limit reduced to one. Six percent thought the bag limit on bucks should be increased.
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