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PUBLIC OPINION ON FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND THE REPUTATION AND CREDIBILITY OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES IN
THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
NORTH CAROLINA
Conducted for The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
by Responsive Management
2005
PUBLIC OPINION ON FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND THE REPUTATION AND CREDIBILITY OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES IN
THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
NORTH CAROLINA
2005
Responsive Management National Office Mark Damian Duda, Executive Director
Peter E. De Michele, Ph.D., Director of Research Martin Jones, Research Associate
Andrea Criscione, Research Associate Chad Craun, Research Associate
Tim Winegord, Survey Center Manager Alison Lanier, Business Manager
Steven J. Bissell, Ph.D., Qualitative Research Associate Ping Wang, Ph.D., Quantitative Research Associate
James B. Herrick, Ph.D., Research Associate
130 Franklin Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Telephone: 540/432-1888 Facsimile: 540/432-1892 E-mail: [email protected]
www.responsivemanagement.com
Acknowledgements
Responsive Management would like to thank Corky Pugh of the Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division for his support and guidance on this project.
We would also like to thank Colonel Bob Brantly of the Southeastern Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies; Scott Henderson of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; Ken Haddad of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Noel Holcomb of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Tom Bennett of the Kentucky Department of Fish and
Wildlife Resources; Dwight Landreneau of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Paul Peditto of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Sam Polles of the Mississippi
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks; John Hoskins of the Missouri Department of Conservation; Charles Fullwood of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Greg
Duffy of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; John Frampton of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Gary Myers of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; Bob Cook of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Bill Woodfin of the Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; and Curtis Taylor of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources for their support on this project.
Appreciation is also extended to Joe Addison and Ericka Shelton of the Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources; Nancy Ledbetter of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; Kent Whittington, Bob Wattendorf, Darrell Scovell, and Darlyn Stockfisch of the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Dan Forster and Beth Brown of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Lynne Garrison of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; Phillip Bowman of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries;
Karina Blizzard of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; David Thorne and Lorna Domke of the Missouri Department of Conservation; Dain Palmer and David Cobb of the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Alan Peoples and Andrea Crews of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; David Allen and Val Nash of the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources; Mike Berger, Ron George, Robin Riechers, Jerry Cooke, Mike Ray, Jon Purvis, Gene McCarty, Larry McKinney, David Riskind, and Ken Kurzawski of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Barry Sumners of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency; Charlie Sledd of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; and Steve Brown and Art Shomo of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources for their input on
this project.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This study was conducted for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
(SEAFWA) to determine public opinion on fish and wildlife management issues and agency
reputation and credibility. The study entailed a telephone survey of residents’ attitudes toward
and opinions on fish and wildlife management issues and the state’s fish and wildlife agency in
all 16 member states of the SEAFWA: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This report discusses the results of the survey in
North Carolina.
For the survey, telephones were selected as the preferred sampling medium because of the
universality of telephone ownership. The telephone survey questionnaire was developed
cooperatively by Responsive Management and the SEAFWA, with input from North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (the Commission) staff. Interviews were conducted Monday
through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all local time. The survey was conducted in November 2004.
Responsive Management obtained a total of 407 completed interviews in North Carolina.
The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1. The
analysis of data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software as well
as proprietary software developed by Responsive Management. Throughout this report, findings
of the telephone survey are reported at a 95% confidence interval. For the entire sample of adult
North Carolina residents, the sampling error is at most plus or minus 4.86 percentage points.
AGENCY PERCEIVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING FISH AND WILDLIFE, AND AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THAT AGENCY � The majority of North Carolina residents could not name the state government agency that is
most responsible for managing and conserving fish and wildlife in North Carolina: 75%
either said, “Don’t know,” or gave an incorrect answer. In follow-up, after being informed
that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is responsible for conserving and
managing fish and wildlife, 78% said that they know a little or nothing about the agency.
ii Responsive Management
• Only 9% knew the correct name of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
and another 16% gave a close derivative of the correct name.
SATISFACTION WITH/PERCEIVED BENEFITS PROVIDED BY/OPINIONS ON THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION � A majority (51%) of residents are either very or somewhat satisfied with the Commission as
a governmental agency in North Carolina; 10% expressed dissatisfaction.
� Of those who contacted the Commission, 84% were very or somewhat satisfied with the
contact, with “very satisfied” leading by far any other response.
� Conserving and protecting wildlife, habitat, and natural resources, as well as providing
fishing and hunting opportunities, are seen as benefits that the Commission provides to North
Carolina residents.
� Respondents were read six statements about the Commission and asked to indicate their
agreement or disagreement with each. In general, there was more agreement for the positive
statements (that the Commission effectively balances the interests of all stakeholders, that the
Commission is doing enough to conserve North Carolina’s fish and wildlife populations, and
that scientific fish and wildlife methods guide the Commission’s work) than for the negative
statements (that the work of the Commission is primarily influenced by environmental/
conservation groups or by politics, or that the Commission primarily serves the interests of
hunters and anglers).
RATINGS OF IMPORTANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION PROGRAMS � North Carolina residents were asked to rate the importance of 14 program areas/efforts of the
Commission. They were then asked to rate the Commission’s performance at the program
areas/efforts. The rating was on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being unimportant/poor and 10
being important/excellent. The good news is that all program areas were rated in the
quadrant that is highest in importance and highest in performance. Conserving fish and
wildlife habitat is rated the highest in importance but is the lowest in performance, relative to
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina iii
the other areas/efforts. North Carolina residents rated conserving fish and wildlife habitat,
boating safety, providing educational programs on the state’s fish and wildlife, hunter safety,
enforcing fish and game laws, and protecting threatened and endangered species high in
importance. North Carolina residents rated the Commission’s performance high in the
following activities: providing opportunities for recreational fishing, protecting residents
against diseases from wild animals, and protecting residents from harm from wildlife.
CONTACTS WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION � About one-fifth (19%) of residents had contacted the Commission for information or
assistance, typically doing so by telephone. Most typically, residents sought information
about hunting, fishing, and viewing wildlife. Of those who contacted the Commission, the
majority (63%) were very satisfied with their contact, and another 21% were somewhat
satisfied, for an overall satisfaction rate of 84%.
� Respondents who had contacted the Commission were split on whether or not they would be
likely to contact the Commission for information or assistance in the future: 50% said they
would be likely, but 43% said they were not at all likely to contact the Commission for
information or assistance in the future.
FUNDING FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION, FISHING/HUNTING LICENSE FEES, AND USER FEES � Most commonly, residents indicated that they did not know how the Commission was
funded: 33% answered, “Don’t know.” Otherwise, 32% answered taxes without further
elaboration, 17% said hunting licenses, 16% said fishing licenses, and 12% said general state
taxes. Very few knew of the excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment or the excise tax
on motorboat fuel.
� Most typically, residents think the current fees for hunting and fishing licenses are about the
right price.
• Hunters and anglers are slightly more likely than are non-hunters and non-anglers to say
that hunting and fishing license fees are too high.
iv Responsive Management
� Although residents most commonly think current license fees are about right, a large majority
(64%) of residents would support increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses,
to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish and wildlife; a substantial percentage
(17%) would oppose increases in user fees for that reason. Anglers and hunters are more
likely to oppose increases in license fees to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish
and wildlife.
� Residents also would support increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, if it
means there would be more opportunities for these activities: 65% would support increases
in user fees for more opportunities (16% would oppose). On this question, hunters and
anglers are slightly more likely to support.
� Finally, a similar majority (61%) of residents overall agreed that the costs for managing fish
and wildlife should be paid for with specific user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses;
25% disagreed. Hunters and anglers were more likely to disagree than non-hunters and non-
anglers with an increase in fees to cover the costs for managing fish and wildlife.
� The survey asked all respondents if they had ever donated money to the North Carolina
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund by means of a state income tax check-off,
purchasing a wildlife license plate, or another means, and a substantial majority (73%) had
not. Hunters and anglers were more likely to have donated money and to have bought a
wildlife license plate. Those who had donated money to the North Carolina Nongame and
Endangered Wildlife Fund were asked where they heard about making donations, and
respondents most commonly answered state income tax forms (37%).
FISH AND WILDLIFE ISSUES FACING NORTH CAROLINA � Polluted water/water quality was the top-named fish and wildlife issue facing the state,
followed by habitat loss.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina v
FISH AND WILDLIFE VALUES � Residents were asked the importance of eight fish and wildlife values, and the results of the
questions were then ranked. Note that for each value, a majority indicated it as being very
important. The top-named value was that North Carolina’s water resources are safe and well
protected (95% rated this value as very important), followed by that wildlife exists in North
Carolina (89%) and that natural areas exist in North Carolina for enjoying and experiencing
nature (89%).
• That people have the opportunity to fish and hunt were at the bottom of the ranking: 75%
said the opportunity to fish was very important, and 57% said the opportunity to hunt was
very important.
� A substantial percentage (36%) of residents consider themselves to be anglers or fishermen,
and 17% consider themselves to be hunters.
OPINIONS ON WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY ISSUES
� Residents were divided regarding the health of North Carolina’s waters: 44% think North
Carolina’s waters are healthy, but 41% think they are unhealthy.
• Hunters and anglers were more likely than non-hunters and non-anglers to say that North
Carolina’s waters are healthy.
� The overwhelming majority (80%) of residents were concerned about water resources for
people and fish/wildlife about equally; otherwise, concern for people (13%) was slightly
higher than concern for fish and wildlife (5%) regarding water quality.
� The major factors that respondents consider to be contributing to water quality issues include
industrial waste (the top answer at 48%), litter and trash (24%), wastewater treatment/plants
sewage (23%), and agricultural runoff (22%).
� The major factor that respondents consider to be contributing to water quantity issues include
residential use including lawn watering (20%), drought (19%), and industrial and commercial
use (10%).
vi Responsive Management
OPINIONS ON THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE � A majority of North Carolina residents (55%) rated their concern for threatened or
endangered species at 8 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10; the mean was 7.1. The major
factors that residents feel contribute to species becoming threatened or endangered in North
Carolina are habitat loss and/or habitat fragmentation, including urban sprawl and
overdevelopment (33% gave one or more of those answers), overhunting/overtrapping/
overfishing (28%), pollution (13%), and poaching (11%).
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE � A majority (57%) of North Carolina residents have heard nothing about Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD) in the past year; only 10% have heard a great deal or moderate amount about
CWD.
NUISANCE WILDLIFE AND DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS � One-fifth of respondents (20%) have had problems with wild animals, including birds, in the
past 2 years, and most commonly the problems were caused by deer, raccoons, opossums,
squirrels, and birds. Most commonly, the problems were with gardens, yards, pets, or
garbage, although substantial percentages of those who had problems named structural
damage to their home.
� An overwhelming majority (94%) of North Carolina residents have not experienced a
vehicle-deer collision in the past 12 months, either as driver or passenger; 5% have
experienced a collision while driving.
OPINIONS ON LAND USE AND FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
� North Carolina residents were asked about their opinion on six questions regarding land use
and fish and wildlife management. The statement with the most agreement is that hunting
and fishing are part of scientific management of fish and wildlife populations. Additionally,
North Carolina residents showed deference for fish and wildlife habitat over human use of
land: more respondents thought that the use and development of land should be restricted to
protect fish and wildlife (44% strongly agreed) than thought either that landowners should be
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina vii
allowed to develop their land regardless of its impact on wildlife (10% strongly agreed) or
that development for new home sites should take precedence over preserving wildlife habitat
(7% strongly agreed).
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON FISH AND WILDLIFE AND CREDIBILITY OF SOURCES � Most commonly, North Carolina residents look for information on fish, wildlife, hunting,
fishing, wildlife watching, and other forms of wildlife-related outdoor recreation on the
Internet (33%), in magazines (14%), and in newspapers (10%). A majority (66%) of North
Carolina residents said they access the Internet daily or sometimes.
� North Carolina residents were asked about the credibility of eleven different possible sources
of information on fish and wildlife, and then the results were ranked. With the exception of
the National Wildlife Federation, governmental agencies and representatives had higher
credibility than not-for-profit advocacy organizations, such as sportsmen’s groups,
environmental groups, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The highest
scores for not credible were for PETA, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA), and local sportsmen’s organizations.
PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES � Residents were asked about their participation in 20 outdoor recreation activities in the past
12 months. A majority of residents of North Carolina fed birds or other wildlife on a regular
basis (60%), and half visited a state or national park (50%). Other outdoor recreation
activities that have relatively high participation rates are closely observing/trying to identify
birds and/or wildlife within a mile of home (44%) and freshwater fishing (41%).
� Those who went camping were asked about the type of camping that they did. A majority
(57%) of all campers had camped in a tent in a campground; 20% had participated in
wilderness camping, and 19% had camped in a recreational vehicle (RV).
viii Responsive Management
� Those who had hunted were asked how many days they had hunted in the past year. Half
(50%) had hunted for less than 2 weeks total. The mean was 28.3 days; the median was 11
days.
� Those who had freshwater or saltwater fished were asked how many days they had fished in
the past year: 43% had fished for less than a week total, and a majority (59%) had fished for
less than 2 weeks total. The mean was 19.9 days; the median was 10 days.
� Those who had taken trips to view wildlife were asked how many days they had taken
wildlife viewing trips in the past year: 47% had done so for less than 1 week. The mean was
12.1 days; the median was 7 days.
� Just over a quarter of households (28%) have a member who went hunting in the past 5 years
in North Carolina. A large majority of households (67%) have a member who went fishing
in the past 5 years in North Carolina.
� Almost half of households (46%) have a member who took a trip of at least a mile to view
fish and/or wildlife in the past 12 months in North Carolina.
� About a third of respondents (34%) have attended an educational program that dealt with fish
or wildlife. Hunters and anglers were more likely than non-hunters and non-anglers to have
attended an educational program that dealt with fish or wildlife.
APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING � A majority of North Carolina residents (84%) approve of legal hunting; a majority (95%)
approve of legal, recreational fishing. Residents are split on legal, regulated trapping: 46%
approve, but 41% disapprove.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina xi
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Methodology........................................................................................................ 1 Agency-Related Questions.............................................................................................................. 4
Agency Perceived to Be Responsible for Managing Fish and Wildlife, and Awareness and Knowledge of that Agency ........................................................................ 4
Satisfaction with/Perceived Benefits Provided by/Opinions on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission................................................................ 6
Ratings of Importance and Performance of North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Programs............................................................................................................................ 21
Contacts with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission....................................... 60 Funding for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
Fishing/Hunting License Fees, and User Fees .................................................................. 66 Fish and Wildlife Issues ................................................................................................................ 91
Fish and Wildlife Issues Facing North Carolina ..................................................................... 91 Fish and Wildlife Values......................................................................................................... 93 Opinions on Water Quality and Quantity Issues................................................................... 108 Opinions on Threatened and Endangered Wildlife ............................................................... 119 Chronic Wasting Disease ...................................................................................................... 122 Nuisance Wildlife and Deer-Vehicle Collisions ................................................................... 124 Opinions on Land Use and Fish and Wildlife Management ................................................. 128 Sources of Information on Fish and Wildlife and Credibility of Sources............................. 139
Participation in Outdoor Activities ............................................................................................. 152 Approval/Disapproval of Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping ......................................................... 166 Demographic Data....................................................................................................................... 169 Additional Comments ................................................................................................................. 187 Survey Instrument ....................................................................................................................... 188 About Responsive Management.................................................................................................. 244
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 1
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY This study was conducted for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
(SEAFWA) to determine public opinion on fish and wildlife management issues and agency
reputation and credibility. The study entailed a telephone survey of residents’ attitudes toward
and opinions on fish and wildlife management issues and the state’s fish and wildlife agency in
all 16 member states of the SEAFWA: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This report discusses the results of the survey in
North Carolina. Specific aspects of the research methodology are discussed below.
For the survey, telephones were selected as the preferred sampling medium because of the
universality of telephone ownership. In addition, a central polling site at the Responsive
Management office allowed for rigorous quality control over the interviews and data collection.
Responsive Management maintains its own in-house telephone interviewing facilities. These
facilities are staffed by interviewers with experience conducting computer-assisted telephone
interviews on the subjects of natural resources and wildlife-associated outdoor recreation. The
telephone survey questionnaire was developed cooperatively by Responsive Management and
the SEAFWA, with input from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (the
Commission) staff. Responsive Management conducted a pre-test of the questionnaire, and
revisions were made to the questionnaire based on the pre-test.
To ensure that the telephone survey data collected were of the highest quality, Responsive
Management has interviewers who have been trained according to the standards established by
the Council of American Survey Research Organizations. Methods of instruction included
lecture and role-playing. The Survey Center Managers conducted project briefings with the
interviewers prior to the administration of the survey. Interviewers were instructed on type of
study, study goals and objectives, handling of survey questions, interview length, termination
points and qualifiers for participation, interviewer instructions within the survey instrument,
reading of the survey instrument, skip patterns, and probing and clarifying techniques necessary
for specific questions on the survey instrument. The Survey Center Managers randomly
monitored telephone workstations without the interviewers’ knowledge to evaluate the
2 Responsive Management
performance of each interviewer. After the surveys were obtained by the interviewers, the
Survey Center Managers and/or statisticians edited each completed survey to ensure clarity and
completeness.
Interviews were conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon
to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all local time. A five-callback design was
used to maintain the representativeness of the sample, to avoid bias toward people easy to reach
by telephone, and to provide an equal opportunity for all to participate. When a respondent
could not be reached on the first call, subsequent calls were placed on different days of the week
and at different times of the day. The survey was conducted in November 2004. Responsive
Management obtained a total of 407 completed interviews in North Carolina.
The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1 (QPL).
The survey data were entered into the computer as each interview was being conducted,
eliminating manual data entry after the completion of the survey and the concomitant data entry
errors that may occur with manual data entry. The survey instrument was programmed so that
QPL branched, coded, and substituted phrases in the survey based on previous responses to
ensure the integrity and consistency of the data collection. The analysis of data was performed
using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software as well as proprietary software
developed by Responsive Management.
Throughout this report, findings of the telephone survey are reported at a 95% confidence
interval. For the entire sample of adult North Carolina residents, the sampling error is at most
plus or minus 4.86 percentage points. This means that if the survey were conducted 100 times
on different samples that were selected in the same way, the findings of 95 out of the 100
surveys would fall within plus or minus 4.86% of each other. Sampling error was calculated
using the formula described below, with a sample size of 407 and a population size of 6,085,266
people 18 years old or older.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 3
Sampling error equation:
( )( )96.1
1
25.25.
−
−=
p
s
p
NN
N
B
Where: B = maximum sampling error (as decimal) NP = population size (i.e., total number of residents) NS = sample size Derived from formula: p. 206 in Dillman, D. A. 2000. Mail and Internet Surveys. John Wiley & Sons, NY. Note: This is a simplified version of the formula that calculates the maximum sampling error using a 50:50 split (the most conservative calculation because a 50:50 split would give maximum variation).
Note that some results may not sum to exactly 100% because of rounding. Additionally,
rounding on the graphs may cause apparent discrepancies of 1 percentage point between the
graphs and the reported results of combined responses (e.g., when “strongly support” and
“moderately support” are summed to determine the total percentage in support).
4 Responsive Management
AGENCY-RELATED QUESTIONS AGENCY PERCEIVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING FISH AND WILDLIFE, AND AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THAT AGENCY � The majority of North Carolina residents could not name the state government agency that is
most responsible for managing and conserving fish and wildlife in North Carolina: 75%
either said, “Don’t know,” or gave an incorrect answer. In follow-up, after being informed
that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is responsible for conserving and
managing fish and wildlife, 78% said that they know a little or nothing about the agency.
• Only 9% knew the correct name of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission,
and another 16% gave a close derivative of the correct name.
Q18. Which one government agency would you say is most responsible for managing and conserving
fish and wildlife in North Carolina?
59
16
16
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Correct stateagency
Essentially correctderivative of state
agency
Incorrect answer
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 5
4
34
44
13
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
A great deal
A moderateamount
A little
Nothing
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Q19. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is responsible for managing and conserving fish and
wildlife in North Carolina. Before this survey, would you say you knew a great deal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing about the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission?
6 Responsive Management
SATISFACTION WITH/PERCEIVED BENEFITS PROVIDED BY/OPINIONS ON THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION � A majority (51%) of residents are either very or somewhat satisfied with the Commission as
a governmental agency in North Carolina; 10% expressed dissatisfaction.
� Of those who contacted the Commission, 84% were very or somewhat satisfied with the
contact, with “very satisfied” leading by far any other response (this graph is shown and
discussed in the section of the report title, “Contacts with the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission”).
� Conserving and protecting wildlife, habitat, and natural resources, as well as providing
fishing and hunting opportunities, are seen as benefits that the Commission provides to North
Carolina residents.
� Respondents were read six statements about the Commission and asked to indicate their
agreement or disagreement with each. In general, there was more agreement for the positive
statements (that the Commission effectively balances the interests of all stakeholders, that the
Commission is doing enough to conserve North Carolina’s fish and wildlife populations, and
that scientific fish and wildlife methods guide the Commission’s work) than for the negative
statements (that the work of the Commission is primarily influenced by environmental/
conservation groups or by politics, or that the Commission primarily serves the interests of
hunters and anglers).
� North Carolina residents are split over whether the Commission is primarily influenced by
politics, with 42% agreeing and 24% disagreeing.
� Agreement (58%) is about six times greater than disagreement (9%) that the Commission
effectively balances the interests of anglers, hunters, conservation groups, and the general
public.
� North Carolina residents more commonly agree (48%) than disagree (19%) that the
Commission is doing enough to conserve our state’s fish and wildlife populations.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 7
� Although many more North Carolina residents agree than disagree that scientific fish and
wildlife methods serve as the primary guide for the work of the Commission, 46% versus
10%, a large percentage (43%) do not know.
� More North Carolina residents agree (44%) than disagree (16%) that the work of the
Commission is primarily influenced by environmental and/or conservation groups.
� Agreement (40%) is only slightly higher than disagreement (28%) that the Commission
primarily serves the interests of hunters and anglers.
8 Responsive Management
Q20. Now I would like to ask about your opinions regarding the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the
NC Wildlife Resources Commission as a governmental agency in North Carolina?
37
4
6
2
31
20
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very satisfied
Somewhatsatisfied
Neither satisfiednor dissatisfied
Somewhatdissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 9
12
12
14
14
15
27
11
0 20 40 60 80 100
Conserving/protectingwildlife
Conserving/protectinghabitat
Opportunity to fish
Conserving/protectingnatural resources
Opportunity to hunt
Enforcing fish andwildlife laws
Opportunity to viewwildlife
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=407)
Q22. What do you see as the benefits the NC Wildlife Resources Commission provides you with?
Part 1
10 Responsive Management
3
2
10
7
4
4
3
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Conserving/protectingthe environment
Conserving/protectingthreatened or
endangered species
Opportunity to boat
There are no benefits
Making hunting safer
Enforcing boatinglaws
Making boating safer
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=407)
Q22. What do you see as the benefits the NC Wildlife Resources Commission provides you with?
Part 2
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 11
Q26-Q31. Percent who strongly agree with the following statements.
21
18
18
17
16
13
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q27. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission effectively balances the
interests of anglers, hunters, conservation groups, and the general
public.
Q29. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarily
influenced by politics.
Q30. Scientific fish and wildlife methodsserve as the primary guide for the work ofthe NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Q26. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission primarily serves the interests
of hunters and anglers.
Q31. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission is doing enough to conserveour state's fish and wildlife populations.
Q28. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarilyinfluenced by environmental and/or
conservation groups.
Percent (n=407)
12 Responsive Management
Q26-Q31. Percent who strongly or moderately agree with the following statements.
46
44
42
40
48
58
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q27. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission effectively balances the
interests of anglers, hunters, conservation groups, and the general
public.
Q31. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission is doing enough to
conserve our state's fish and wildlifepopulations.
Q30. Scientific fish and wildlife methodsserve as the primary guide for the work
of the NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission.
Q28. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarilyinfluenced by environmental and/or
conservation groups.
Q29. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarily
influenced by politics.
Q26. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission primarily serves theinterests of hunters and anglers.
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 13
Q26-Q31. Percent who strongly disagree with the following statements.
9
9
8
3
3
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q29. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarily
influenced by politics.
Q26. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission primarily serves the interests
of hunters and anglers.
Q31. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission is doing enough to conserveour state's fish and wildlife populations.
Q28. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarilyinfluenced by environmental and/or
conservation groups.
Q27. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission effectively balances the
interests of anglers, hunters, conservation groups, and the general
public.
Q30. Scientific fish and wildlife methodsserve as the primary guide for the work ofthe NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Percent (n=407)
14 Responsive Management
Q26-Q31. Percent who strongly or moderately disagree with the following statements.
28
24
19
16
10
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q26. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission primarily serves the interests
of hunters and anglers.
Q29. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarily
influenced by politics.
Q31. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission is doing enough to conserveour state's fish and wildlife populations.
Q28. The work of the NC WildlifeResources Commission is primarilyinfluenced by environmental and/or
conservation groups.
Q30. Scientific fish and wildlife methodsserve as the primary guide for the work ofthe NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Q27. The NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission effectively balances the
interests of anglers, hunters, conservationgroups, and the general public.
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 15
Q26. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission primarily serves the interests of hunters and anglers. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
31
9
19
1
23
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
16 Responsive Management
32
3
6
1
37
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Q27. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission effectively balances the interests of anglers, hunters, conservation groups, and the general public. Do you
agree or disagree with this statement?
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 17
Q28. The work of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is primarily influenced by
environmental and/or conservation groups. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
38
3
13
1
31
13
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
18 Responsive Management
Q29. The work of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is primarily influenced by politics. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement?
32
9
14
2
24
18
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 19
Q30. Scientific fish and wildlife methods serve as the primary guide for the work of the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
43
2
7
0
29
18
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
20 Responsive Management
Q31. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is doing enough to conserve our state's fish and
wildlife populations. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
31
8
11
2
32
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 21
RATINGS OF IMPORTANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION PROGRAMS � North Carolina residents were asked to rate the importance of 14 program areas/efforts of the
Commission. They were then asked to rate the Commission’s performance at the program
areas/efforts. The rating was on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being unimportant/poor and 10
being important/excellent. A scatterplot of the means for the responses regarding the 14
areas/efforts shows how importance and performance match. Following the scatterplots are
the graphs for all questions together, showing their ranking relative to each other, and graphs
for each individual question on importance and performance.
� The good news is that all program areas were rated in the quadrant that is highest in
importance and highest in performance. A second scatterplot shows a close-up of just a
portion of the upper-right quadrant. This close-up scatterplot shows that conserving fish and
wildlife habitat is rated the highest in importance but is the lowest in performance, relative to
the other areas/efforts. North Carolina residents rated conserving fish and wildlife habitat,
boating safety, providing educational programs on the state’s fish and wildlife, hunter safety,
enforcing fish and game laws, and protecting threatened and endangered species high in
importance. North Carolina residents rated the Commission’s performance high in the
following activities: providing opportunities for recreational fishing, protecting residents
against diseases from wild animals, and protecting residents from harm from wildlife.
� Another analysis of performance relative to importance highlights the program areas/efforts
that have a 2.0 or greater difference in the ratings of performance and importance, as shown
in the tabulation that follows.
22 Responsive Management
PROGRAM AREA/EFFORT PERFORM-
ANCE RATING
IMPOR-TANCE RATING
DIFFER-ENCE IN RATINGS
Protecting threatened and endangered species 6.35 8.76 -2.4 Restoring native fish and wildlife to the state 6.35 8.33 -2.0 Conserving fish and wildlife habitat 6.26 8.92 -2.7 Enforcing fish and game laws 6.75 8.76 -2.0 Managing fish populations 6.46 8.18 -1.7 Managing wildlife populations 6.75 8.37 -1.6 Protecting residents from diseases from wild animals 7.53 8.65 -1.1 Protecting residents from harm from wildlife 7.43 7.76 -0.3 Providing opportunities for general public to view wildlife 7.15 8.01 -0.9 Providing opportunities for recreational fishing 7.59 8.22 -0.6 Providing opportunities for legal hunting 7.30 7.33 0.0 Providing educational programs on the state’s fish and wildlife 6.32 8.80 -2.5 Providing opportunities for boating safety education 6.40 8.84 -2.4 Providing opportunities for hunting safety education 6.34 8.78 -2.4
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 23
Comparison of ratings of importance and performance of programs/efforts.
(Graph is correctly scaled.)
0.0
5.0
10.0
0.0 5.0 10.0
Performance
Impo
rtan
ce
high importance, low performance high importance, high performance
low importance, low performance low importance, high performance
24 Responsive Management
Comparison of ratings of importance and performance of programs/efforts.
(Not graphed to scale for display purposes.)
Restoring native fishand wildlife to state
Managing fish populations overall
Managing wildlife populations
Protecting residents against diseases from wild
animals.
Protecting residents from harm from wildlife
Providing opp. for recreational fishing
3.
Providing opp. for general public to view wildlife
Conserving fish and wildlife habitat
Enforcing fish and game laws
Providing opportunities for legal hunting
1.
Providing opp. for boating safety education
2.
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
6.0 7.0 8.0
Performance
Impo
rtan
ce
1. Providing educational programs on the state's fish and wildlife
2. Providing opportunities for hunting safety education
3. Protecting threatened and endangered species
Performance increases in this direction
Impo
rtanc
e in
crea
ses i
n th
is d
irect
ion
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 25
Q75-Q88. Please rate the importance of...Part 1.
8.8
8.8
8.8
8.8
8.8
8.9
8.6
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q77. Conserving fish and wildlifehabitat
Q87. Providing opportunities forboating safety education
Q86. Providing educational programson the state's fish and wildlife
Q88. Providing opportunities forhunting safety education
Q78. Enforcing fish and game laws
Q75. Protecting threatened andendangered species
Q81. Protecting residents againstdiseases from wild animals such as
Lyme disease and rabies
Mean
26 Responsive Management
Q75-Q88. Please rate the importance of…Part 2.
7.8
8.0
8.2
8.2
8.3
8.4
7.3
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q80. Managing wildlife populations
Q76. Restoring native fish and wildlifespecies to the state
Q84. Providing opportunities forrecreational (i.e., not commercial)
fishing
Q79. Managing fish populationsoverall
Q83. Providing opportunities for thegeneral public to view wildlife
Q82. Protecting residents from harmfrom wildlife that may be dangerous
Q85. Providing opportunities for legalhunting
Mean
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 27
Q99-Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in …
Part 1.
6.8
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
6.7
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q108. Providing recreational fishingopportunities
Q105. Protecting residents againstdiseases from wild animals such as
Lyme disease and rabies
Q106. Protecting residents from harmfrom wildlife that may be dangerous
Q109. Providing legal huntingopportunities
Q107. Providing opportunities for thegeneral public to view wildlife
Q104. Managing wildlife populations
Q102. Enforcing fish and game laws
Mean
28 Responsive Management
Q99-Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in …
Part 2.
6.3
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.3
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q103. Managing fish populationsoverall
Q111. Providing opportunities forboating safety education
Q99. Protecting threatened andendangered species
Q100. Restoring native fish andwildlife species to the state
Q112. Providing opportunities forhunting safety education
Q110. Providing educationalprograms regarding fish and wildlife
Q101. Conserving fish and wildlifehabitat
Mean
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 29
Q99-Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in …
(Ratings compared by the ability of respondents to name the state agency in Q18.)
Part 1.
7.5
8.2
7.0
6.3
7.0
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.8
8.2
8.5
6.1
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q107. Providingopportunities for
the general publicto view wildlife
Q108. Providingrecreational fishing
opportunities
Q106. Protectingresidents from
harm from wildlifethat may bedangerous
Q110. Providingeducationalprograms
regarding fish andwildlife
Mean
Correct state agency
Essentially correctderivative of state agencyIncorrect answer/don't know
30 Responsive Management
Q99-Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in …
(Ratings compared by the ability of respondents to name the state agency in Q18.)
Part 2.
6.9
7.2
7.6
6.3
6.6
6.1
7.7
7.3
6.8
6.7
7.0
7.0
7.1
7.4
6.2
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q111. Providingopportunities forboating safety
education
Q105. Protectingresidents against
diseases from wildanimals such as
Lyme disease andrabies
Q109. Providinglegal huntingopportunities
Q112. Providingopportunities forhunting safety
education
Q104. Managingwildlife populations
Mean
Correct state agency
Essentially correctderivative of state agencyIncorrect answer/don't know
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 31
Q99-Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in …
(Ratings compared by the ability of respondents to name the state agency in Q18.)
Part 3.
5.9
7.2
6.1
6.2
5.9
6.4
6.2
6.6
6.5
5.6
5.8
6.2
6.2
6.6
7.1
0 2 4 6 8 10
Q100. Restoringnative fish and
wildlife species tothe state
Q99. Protectingthreatened and
endangered species
Q103. Managing fishpopulations overall
Q102. Enforcing fishand game laws
Q101. Conservingfish and wildlife
habitat
Mean
Correct state agency
Essentially correctderivative of state agencyIncorrect answer/don't know
32 Responsive Management
Q75. Please rate the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species as a NC
Wildlife Resources Commission program.
12
7
4
0
0
0
1
0
8
7
59
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=217)
Mean = 8.8
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 33
Q76. Please rate the importance of restoring native fish and wildlife species to the state as a NC
Wildlife Resources Commission program.
19
10
5
0
0
0
1
0
11
8
45
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=224)
Mean = 8.3
34 Responsive Management
Q77. Please rate the importance of conserving fish and wildlife habitat as a NC Wildlife Resources
Commission program.
15
8
3
0
0
0
0
0
5
11
58
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=224)
Mean = 8.9
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 35
Q78. Please rate the importance of enforcing fish and game laws as a NC Wildlife Resources
Commission program.
59
7
7
0
1
0
0
1
4
6
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=210)
Mean =8.8
36 Responsive Management
Q79. Please rate the importance of managing fish populations overall as a NC Wildlife Resources
Commission program.
42
7
10
1
1
0
0
2
4
13
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=197)
Mean =8.2
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 37
Q80. Please rate the importance of managing wildlife populations as a NC Wildlife Resources
Commission program.
25
10
4
0
0
0
0
1
9
7
43
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=213)
Mean =8.2
38 Responsive Management
Q81. Please rate the importance of protecting residents against diseases from wild animals such
as Lyme disease and rabies as a NC Wildlife Resources Commission program.
61
8
6
0
2
1
1
2
4
7
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=199)
Mean =8.6
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 39
Q82. Please rate the importance of protecting residents from harm from wildlife that may be
dangerous as a NC Wildlife Resources Commission program.
10
7
4
6
1
2
3
3
9
5
51
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=183)
Mean =7.8
40 Responsive Management
Q83. Please rate the importance of providing opportunities for the general public to view wildlife as a NC Wildlife Resources Commission program.
18
14
5
2
0
0
2
2
9
9
39
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=173)
Mean = 8.0
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 41
Q84. Please rate the importance of providing opportunities for recreational (i.e., not commercial)
fishing as a NC Wildlife Resources Commission program.
20
9
3
2
0
0
2
2
8
10
43
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=178)
Mean =8.2
42 Responsive Management
Q85. Please rate the importance of providing opportunities for legal hunting as a NC Wildlife
Resources Commission program.
16
7
4
5
4
1
3
4
11
9
36
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=192)
Mean =7.3
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 43
Q86. Please rate the importance of providing educational programs on the state's fish and
wildlife as a NC Wildlife Resources Commission program.
58
8
7
0
1
1
0
1
3
8
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=198)
Mean =8.8
44 Responsive Management
Q87. Please rate the importance of providing opportunities for boating safety education as a NC
Wildlife Resources Commission program.
57
12
6
2
0
0
0
1
3
7
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=187)
Mean =8.8
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 45
Q88. Please rate the importance of providing opportunities for hunting safety education as a NC
Wildlife Resources Commission program.
62
7
3
0
1
1
0
2
3
7
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=202)
Mean =8.8
46 Responsive Management
Q99. Please rate the performance of the agency in protecting threatened and endangered species.
16
7
19
4
4
1
1
8
11
11
18
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=140)
Mean =6.4
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 47
Q100. Please rate the performance of the agency in restoring native fish and wildlife species to the
state.
18
7
17
5
2
0
1
10
11
13
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=144)
Mean =6.3
48 Responsive Management
Q101. Please rate the performance of the agency in conserving fish and wildlife habitat.
18
16
7
7
2
0
3
7
21
8
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=151)
Mean =6.3
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 49
Q102. Please rate the performance of the agency in enforcing fish and game laws.
25
8
15
3
3
1
1
9
6
12
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=154)
Mean = 6.7
50 Responsive Management
Q103. Please rate the performance of the agency in managing fish populations overall.
17
7
18
4
0
2
1
9
9
11
22
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=137)
Mean =6.5
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 51
Q104. Please rate the performance of the agency in managing wildlife populations.
19
12
17
2
1
2
1
9
7
14
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=151)
Mean =6.8
52 Responsive Management
Q105. Please rate the performance of the agency in protecting residents against diseases from wild
animals such as Lyme disease and rabies.
29
14
9
1
0
0
1
7
9
9
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=148)
Mean =7.5
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 53
Q106. Please rate the performance of the agency in protecting residents from harm from wildlife that
may be dangerous.
15
17
7
7
1
1
2
0
9
11
31
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=136)
Mean =7.4
54 Responsive Management
Q107. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing opportunities for the general public to
view wildlife.
24
13
7
5
2
2
3
2
13
7
25
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=133)
Mean =7.2
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 55
Q108. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing recreational fishing opportunities.
28
8
7
4
1
1
0
3
7
10
28
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=134)
Mean =7.6
56 Responsive Management
Q109. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing legal hunting opportunities.
29
7
16
4
1
1
0
5
3
14
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=129)
Mean =7.3
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 57
Q110. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing educational programs regarding fish and
wildlife.
19
5
12
5
4
2
1
10
11
16
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=129)
Mean =6.3
58 Responsive Management
Q111. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing opportunities for boating safety
education.
22
2
21
3
5
1
3
6
11
15
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=117)
Mean =6.4
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 59
Q112. Please rate the performance of the agency in providing opportunities for hunting safety
education.
19
4
25
5
2
1
1
8
9
10
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=125)
Mean = 6.3
60 Responsive Management
CONTACTS WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION � About one-fifth (19%) of residents had contacted the Commission for information or
assistance, typically doing so by telephone. Most typically, residents sought information
about hunting, fishing, and viewing wildlife.
� Of those who contacted the Commission, the majority (63%) were very satisfied with their
contact, and another 21% were somewhat satisfied, for an overall satisfaction rate of 84%.
• 17% were dissatisfied with their contact.
� Respondents who had contacted the Commission were split on whether or not they would be
likely to contact the Commission for information or assistance in the future: 50% said they
would be likely, but 43% said they were not at all likely to contact the Commission for
information or assistance in the future.
Q183. Have you ever contacted the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for information or
assistance?
0
81
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 61
Q185. How did you contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission? (Asked of those who
contacted the agency.)
10
12
17
71
0 20 40 60 80 100
Telephone
In-person
E-mail orInternet
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=78)
62 Responsive Management
Q188. What type of assistance or information were you seeking? (Asked of those who contacted the
agency.)Part 1.
27
21
14
12
10
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
Information abouthunting: places to
hunt, huntingseason
Information aboutfishing: places to
fish, fishingseason
Information aboutviewing wildlife:
locations,opportunities
Information ingeneral about thewildlife in the state
Hunting licenseinformation,application
Reporting a fish orwildlife violation
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=78)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 63
Q188. What type of assistance or information were you seeking? (Asked of those who contacted the
agency.)Part 2.
1
9
6
6
5
3
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Nuisance wildliferemoval
Fishing licenseinformation,application
Conserving fishand wildlife or fishand wildlife habitat
Information aboutboating
Boat registration
Assistance withmy land
Information aboutnuisance wildlife
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=78)
64 Responsive Management
Q190. Overall, would you say you were satisfied or dissatisfied with the contact with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission? (Asked of those who
contacted the agency.)
9
8
21
63
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very satisfied
Somewhatsatisfied
Somewhatdissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Percent (n=78)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 65
Q191. How likely are you to contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for information or
assistance in the future? (Asked of those who contacted the agency.)
6
43
31
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not at all likely
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
66 Responsive Management
FUNDING FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION, FISHING/HUNTING LICENSE FEES, AND USER FEES � Most commonly, residents indicated that they did not know how the Commission was
funded: 33% answered, “Don’t know.” Otherwise, 32% answered taxes without further
elaboration, 17% said hunting licenses, 16% said fishing licenses, and 12% said general state
taxes. Very few knew of the excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment or the excise tax
on motorboat fuel.
• Those who consider themselves to be hunters or anglers were more likely to attribute
funding to hunting and fishing licenses.
� Most commonly, residents think the current fees for hunting and fishing licenses are about
the right price.
• 35% of residents think hunting licenses are about the right price; 11% think they are too
high or too low.
• Hunters are slightly more likely than are non-hunters to say that hunting license fees are
too high.
• 43% of residents think fishing licenses are about the right price; 11% think they are too
high or too low.
• Anglers are slightly more likely than are non-anglers to say that fishing license fees are
too high.
� Although residents most commonly think current license fees are about right, a large majority
(64%) of residents would support increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses,
to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish and wildlife; a substantial percentage
(17%) would oppose increases in user fees for that reason. Anglers and hunters are more
likely to oppose increases in license fees.
� Residents also would support increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, if it
means there would be more opportunities for these activities: 65% would support increases
in user fees for more opportunities (16% would oppose). On this question, hunters and
anglers are slightly more likely to support.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 67
� Finally, a similar majority (61%) of residents overall agreed that the costs for managing fish
and wildlife should be paid for with specific user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses;
25% disagreed. Hunters and anglers were more likely to disagree than non-hunters and non-
anglers with an increase in fees to cover the costs for managing fish and wildlife.
� The survey asked all respondents if they had ever donated money to the North Carolina
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund by means of a state income tax check-off,
purchasing a wildlife license plate, or another means, and a substantial majority (73%) had
not. Hunters and anglers were more likely to have donated money and to have bought a
wildlife license plate.
� Those who had donated money to the North Carolina Nongame and Endangered Wildlife
Fund were asked where they heard about making donations, and respondents most commonly
answered state income tax forms (37%). Another 18% had heard about donating from their
friends or family, and 17% by word-of-mouth.
68 Responsive Management
8
33
32
17
16
12
8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't know
Taxes (nothing specific)
Hunting licenses
Fishing licenses
General state taxes
State income tax check-off/nongame donations
State Wildlife Grants
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Q90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is funded?
Part 1.
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 69
1
1
1
2
5
6
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
General federaltaxes
Other
Fines
Portion ofdedicated state
sales tax
Excise taxes onhunting
equipment
Excise taxes onfishing
equipment
Taxes onmotorboat fuel
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Q90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is funded?
Part 2.
Percent (n=407)
70 Responsive Management
Q90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is funded?
0
0
3
5
10
10
15
30
42
47
7
5
5
0
1
0
0
1
6
5
8
8
12
33
11
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
Hunting licenses
Fishing licenses
Taxes (nothing specific)
General state taxes
State income tax check-off/nongame donations
State Wildlife Grants
Other
General federal taxes
Fines
Excise taxes on huntingequipment
Excise taxes on fishingequipment
Portion of dedicated statesales tax
Taxes on motorboat fuel
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Those Who ConsiderThemselves Hunters (n=60)Non-hunters (n=347)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 71
Q90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is funded?
1
1
1
1
4
11
13
26
26
28
35
7
5
5
0
1
1
0
0
7
5
9
6
12
9
38
10
30
0 20 40 60 80 100
Taxes (nothing specific)
Hunting licenses
Don't know
Fishing licenses
General state taxes
State Wildlife Grants
State income tax check-off/nongame donations
Other
General federal taxes
Fines
Excise taxes on huntingequipment
Portion of dedicated statesales tax
Excise taxes on fishingequipment
Taxes on motorboat fuel
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Those Who ConsiderThemselves Anglers (n=167)
Non-anglers (n=240)
72 Responsive Management
0
1
1
1
1
9
12
15
16
31
34
8
6
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't know
Taxes (nothing specific)
Hunting licenses
Fishing licenses
General state taxes
State income tax check-off/nongame donations
State Wildlife Grants
General federal taxes
Other
Fines
Portion of dedicated statesales tax
Excise taxes on huntingequipment
Excise taxes on fishingequipment
Taxes on motorboat fuel
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission is funded? (Among those who have gone freshwater fishing in the past 12 months.)
Percent (n=327)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 73
0
0
1
1
1
11
15
20
24
29
40
8
5
4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Taxes (nothing specific)
Don't know
Hunting licenses
Fishing licenses
General state taxes
State Wildlife Grants
State income tax check-off/nongame donations
General federal taxes
Fines
Other
Portion of dedicated statesales tax
Excise taxes on huntingequipment
Excise taxes on fishingequipment
Taxes on motorboat fuel
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ90. How do you think the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission is funded? (Among those who have gone saltwater fishing in the past 12 months.)
Percent (n=80)
74 Responsive Management
Q92. Overall, do you think the current fees for hunting licenses are too high, too low, or about the
right price in North Carolina?
55
5
35
6
0 20 40 60 80 100
Too high
About the rightprice
Too low
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 75
Q92. Overall, do you think the current fees for hunting licenses are too high, too low, or about the
right price in North Carolina?
18
1
72
9
62
5
27
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Too high
About the rightprice
Too low
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
76 Responsive Management
Q93. Overall, do you think the fees for fishing licenses are too high, too low, or about the right
price in North Carolina?
46
3
43
8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Too high
About the rightprice
Too low
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 77
Q93. Overall, do you think the fees for fishing licenses are too high, too low, or about the right
price in North Carolina?
19
2
68
11
62
4
28
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Too high
About the rightprice
Too low
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
78 Responsive Management
Q94. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish
and wildlife?
14
7
10
5
31
33
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderately oppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 79
Q94. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish
and wildlife?
4
13
12
7
31
32
15
6
9
4
32
33
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderatelyoppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
80 Responsive Management
Q94. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, to cover the costs of conserving and managing fish
and wildlife?
6
11
14
5
35
29
18
5
8
5
29
36
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderatelyoppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 81
Q95. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, if it
meant more opportunities for these activities?
15
7
9
4
33
32
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderately oppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
82 Responsive Management
Q95. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, if it
meant more opportunities for these activities?
9
7
7
6
25
46
17
7
9
3
34
29
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderatelyoppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 83
Q95. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses, if it
meant more opportunities for these activities?
9
7
12
3
34
34
19
7
7
4
32
31
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly support
Moderatelysupport
Neither supportnor oppose
Moderatelyoppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
84 Responsive Management
Q96. Do you agree or disagree that costs for managing fish and wildlife should be paid for with
specific user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses?
11
7
18
3
28
33
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 85
Q96. Do you agree or disagree that costs for managing fish and wildlife should be paid for with
specific user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses?
1
13
21
1
32
31
13
6
17
3
27
34
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
86 Responsive Management
Q96. Do you agree or disagree that costs for managing fish and wildlife should be paid for with
specific user fees, such as hunting and fishing licenses?
4
12
22
1
36
26
15
4
16
4
24
37
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderatelyagree
Neither agreenor disagree
Moderatelydisagree
Stronglydisagree
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 87
4
5
10
10
73
0 20 40 60 80 100
No
Yes, state incometax check-off
Yes, donatedother money
Don't know
Yes, purchasedwildlife license
plate
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ138. Funding for the North Carolina Nongame and
Endangered Wildlife Fund comes from a state income tax check-off, from fees for wildlife license plates, and from other donations. Have you ever donated part of your tax refund, purchased a wildlife plate, or made any other donation to the Nongame and Endangered
Wildlife Fund?
Percent (n=407)
88 Responsive Management
Q138. Have you ever donated part of your tax refund, purchased a wildlife plate, or made any
other donation to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund?
5
6
59
15
10
12
76
9
3
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes, state incometax check-off
Yes, purchasedwildlife license
plate
Yes, donated othermoney
No
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters(n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 89
Q138. Have you ever donated part of your tax refund, purchased a wildlife plate, or made any
other donation to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund?
5
11
7
16
64
5
10
3
6
79
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes, state incometax check-off
Yes, purchasedwildlife license
plate
Yes, donated othermoney
No
Don't know
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers(n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
90 Responsive Management
Q140. Where did you hear about donating to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund?
6
10
12
17
18
37
6
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
State incometax forms
Friends/family
Word-of-mouth
Other
NC WildlifeResources
Commissionpublications
NC202
Television
NC WildlifeResources
CommissionWeb site
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 91
FISH AND WILDLIFE ISSUES FISH AND WILDLIFE ISSUES FACING NORTH CAROLINA � Polluted water/water quality (29%) was the top-named fish and wildlife issue facing the state,
followed by habitat loss (18%).
4
8
9
10
18
29
31
7
5
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't know
Pollutedwater/water quality
Habitat loss
Air pollution/airquality
Development/urbansprawl
Low fishpopulations
Poaching/fish andwildlife violations
Habitatfragmentation
Low gamepopulations
Threatened orendangered
species
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Q37. What would you say are the most important fish or wildlife issues facing North
Carolina today?Part 1.
Percent (n=407)
92 Responsive Management
1
2
2
2
3
3
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Protection ofgreenspace
Too many users
Wildlife health
Low nongamewildlife
populations
Not enoughwater/water
quantity
Exotic/invasivespecies
There are none(no important
issues)
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ37. What would you say are the most important
fish or wildlife issues facing North Carolina today?Part 2.
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 93
FISH AND WILDLIFE VALUES � Residents were asked the importance of eight fish and wildlife values, and the results of the
questions were then ranked. Note that for each value, a majority indicated it as being very
important. The top-named value was that North Carolina’s water resources are safe and well
protected (95% rated this value as very important), followed by that wildlife exists in North
Carolina (89%) and that natural areas exist in North Carolina for enjoying and experiencing
nature (89%).
• That people have the opportunity to fish and hunt were at the bottom of the ranking: 75%
said the opportunity to fish was very important, and 57% said the opportunity to hunt was
very important.
� A substantial percentage (17%) of residents consider themselves to be hunters, and more than
a third (36%) of residents consider themselves to be anglers or fishermen.
94 Responsive Management
Q41-Q48. Percent who rate the following as very important.
95
89
89
87
83
80
75
57
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q48. North Carolina's water resourcesare safe and well protected
Q41. Wildlife exists in North Carolina
Q47. Natural areas exist in NorthCarolina for enjoying and experiencing
nature
Q45. People have the opportunity toview wildlife in North Carolina
Q46. Ecologically important habitats andlands in North Carolina are being
conserved
Q42. Fish and wildlife populations arebeing properly managed and conserved
in North Carolina
Q43. People have the opportunity to fishrecreationally in North Carolina
Q44. People have the opportunity tohunt in North Carolina
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 95
Q41-Q48. Percent who rate the following as very or somewhat important.
100
99
98
97
94
94
94
82
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q48. North Carolina's water resourcesare safe and well protected
Q41. Wildlife exists in North Carolina
Q45. People have the opportunity toview wildlife in North Carolina
Q47. Natural areas exist in NorthCarolina for enjoying and experiencing
nature
Q42. Fish and wildlife populations arebeing properly managed and conserved
in North Carolina
Q43. People have the opportunity to fishrecreationally in North Carolina
Q46. Ecologically important habitats andlands in North Carolina are being
conserved
Q44. People have the opportunity tohunt in North Carolina
Percent (n=206)
96 Responsive Management
Q41-Q48. Percent who rate the following as very unimportant.
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q44. People have the opportunity to hunt inNorth Carolina
Q42. Fish and wildlife populations arebeing properly managed and conserved in
North Carolina
Q43. People have the opportunity to fishrecreationally in North Carolina
Q46. Ecologically important habitats andlands in North Carolina are being
conserved
Q48. North Carolina's water resources aresafe and well protected
Q41. Wildlife exists in North Carolina
Q45. People have the opportunity to viewwildlife in North Carolina
Q47. Natural areas exist in North Carolinafor enjoying and experiencing nature
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 97
Q41-Q48. Percent who rate the following as very or somewhat unimportant.
15
3
2
1
1
0
0
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q44. People have the opportunity to huntin North Carolina
Q43. People have the opportunity to fishrecreationally in North Carolina
Q42. Fish and wildlife populations arebeing properly managed and conserved
in North Carolina
Q46. Ecologically important habitats andlands in North Carolina are being
conserved
Q47. Natural areas exist in NorthCarolina for enjoying and experiencing
nature
Q41. Wildlife exists in North Carolina
Q45. People have the opportunity to viewwildlife in North Carolina
Q48. North Carolina's water resourcesare safe and well protected
Percent (n=206)
98 Responsive Management
Q41. Is it important or unimportant to you that wildlife exists in North Carolina?
0
0
0
10
89
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 99
Q42. Is it important or unimportant to you that fish and wildlife populations are being properly managed and conserved in North Carolina?
3
0
1
0
15
80
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
100 Responsive Management
Q43. Is it important or unimportant to you that people have the opportunity to fish recreationally in
North Carolina?
1
0
3
1
19
75
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 101
Q44. Is it important or unimportant to you that people have the opportunity to hunt in North
Carolina?
2
9
6
2
25
57
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
102 Responsive Management
Q45. Is it important or unimportant to you that people have the opportunity to view wildlife in
North Carolina?
0
0
0
1
11
87
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 103
Q46. Is it important or unimportant to you that ecologically important habitats and lands in North
Carolina are being conserved?
4
0
1
0
11
83
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
104 Responsive Management
Q47. Is it important or unimportant to you that natural areas exist in North Carolina for enjoying
and experiencing nature?
2
0
1
0
8
89
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Don't know
Percent (n=206)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 105
Q48. Is it important or unimportant to you that North Carolina's water resources are safe and well
protected?
0
0
0
4
95
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very important
Somewhatimportant
Neither importantnor unimportant
Somewhatunimportant
Very unimportant
Percent (n=206)
106 Responsive Management
Q194. Do you consider yourself a hunter?
83
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 107
Q192. Do you consider yourself an angler or fisherman?
0
63
36
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
108 Responsive Management
OPINIONS ON WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY ISSUES � Residents were divided regarding the health of North Carolina’s waters: 44% think North
Carolina’s waters are healthy, but 41% think they are unhealthy.
• Hunters and anglers were more likely than non-hunters and non-anglers to say that North
Carolina’s waters are healthy.
• On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not concerned and 10 being extremely concerned, the
mean of residents’ answers regarding water quality was 8.1; for water quantity, the mean
was 7.3.
� The overwhelming majority (80%) of residents were concerned about water resources for
people and fish/wildlife about equally; otherwise, concern for people (13%) was slightly
higher than concern for fish and wildlife (5%) regarding water quality. Hunters and anglers
answered this about the same as did the general population.
� The major factors that respondents consider to be contributing to water quality issues include
industrial waste (the top answer at 48%), litter and trash (24%), wastewater treatment/plants
sewage (23%), and agricultural runoff (22%).
� The major factor that respondents consider to be contributing to water quantity issues include
residential use including lawn watering (20%), drought (19%), and industrial and commercial
use (10%).
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 109
Q49. Do you think North Carolina's waters, that is rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers,
are healthy or unhealthy?
9
12
29
4
36
8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very healthy
Somewhat healthy
Neither healthy norunhealthy
Somewhatunhealthy
Very unhealthy
Don't know
Percent (n=201)
110 Responsive Management
Q49. Do you think North Carolina's waters, that is rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers,
are healthy or unhealthy?
8
3
23
10
43
15
10
15
30
3
35
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very healthy
Somewhathealthy
Neither healthynor unhealthy
Somewhatunhealthy
Very unhealthy
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=40)Non-hunters (n=161)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 111
Q49. Do you think North Carolina's waters, that is rivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers,
are healthy or unhealthy?
5
8
25
8
45
9
11
15
31
2
31
8
0 20 40 60 80 100
Very healthy
Somewhathealthy
Neither healthynor unhealthy
Somewhatunhealthy
Very unhealthy
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=76)Non-anglers (n=124)
112 Responsive Management
Q50. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not concerned and 10 is extremely concerned, how concerned are you about water quality in North
Carolina?
44
8
8
2
2
1
1
3
7
11
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=198)
Mean = 8.1
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 113
Q51. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not concerned and 10 is extremely concerned, how
concerned are you about water quantity, that is, the amount of water, in North Carolina?
34
7
11
3
3
2
1
5
6
11
17
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=195)
Mean = 7.3
114 Responsive Management
Q52. Are you more concerned about water resources in North Carolina for people, for fish and
wildlife, or both about equally?
1
0
80
5
13
0 20 40 60 80 100
People
Fish and wildlife
Both about equally
Not concerned foreither
Don't know
Percent (n=201)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 115
Q52. Are you more concerned about water resources in North Carolina for people, for fish and
wildlife, or both about equally?
8
8
85
0
0
15
5
78
1
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
People
Fish and wildlife
Both aboutequally
Not concernedfor either
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=40)Non-hunters (n=161)
116 Responsive Management
Q52. Are you more concerned about water resources in North Carolina for people, for fish and
wildlife, or both about equally?
0
0
86
7
8
2
1
77
5
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
People
Fish and wildlife
Both aboutequally
Not concernedfor either
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=76)Non-anglers (n=124)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 117
2
2
7
48
24
23
22
21
8
1
1
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Industrial waste
Litter/trash
Wastewater treatment plants/sewage
Agricultural runoff
Dont know
Other
Stormwater runoff
Pet waste
Shipping waste
Wild animal waste
Oil spills
Acid rain
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ54. What do you feel are the major factors
contributing to water quality in North Carolina?
Percent (n=201)
118 Responsive Management
Q57. What do you feel are the major factors contributing to water quantity issues in North
Carolina?
4
9
10
19
20
43
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Dont know
Residentialuse/lawns
Drought
Industrial/commercialuse
Other
Agriculturaluse/irrigation
Water diversions
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=201)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 119
OPINIONS ON THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE � A majority of North Carolina residents (55%) rated their concern for threatened or
endangered species at 8 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10; the mean was 7.1. The major
factors that residents feel contribute to species becoming threatened or endangered in North
Carolina are habitat loss and/or habitat fragmentation, including urban sprawl and
overdevelopment (33% gave one or more of those answers), overhunting/overtrapping/
overfishing (28%), pollution (13%), and poaching (11%).
Q59. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not
concerned and 10 is extremely concerned, how concerned are you about threatened and endangered species in North Carolina?
29
9
16
2
4
3
1
6
6
9
16
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Percent (n=190)
Mean = 7.1
120 Responsive Management
3
11
13
27
28
33
3
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Habitatloss/fragmentation(urban sprawl, etc.)
Overhunting/over-trapping/overfishing
(legal hunting/fishing/trapping)
Don't know
Pollution
Poaching
Food sourceimperiled
Pesticides/herbicides
Accidents withhuman-made objects
(e.g., cars, powerlines)
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=201)
Q61. What do you feel are the major factors contributing to species becoming threatened or
endangered in North Carolina?Part 1.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 121
1
1
1
2
2
3
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Ignorance/lack ofknowledge
Change toecosystem (e.g.,
water temperaturechange)
Ingestion oftrash/entanglement
in trash
Disease
Exotic/invasivespecies
Climate change
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=201)
Q61. What do you feel are the major factors contributing to species becoming threatened or
endangered in North Carolina?Part 2.
122 Responsive Management
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE � A majority (57%) of North Carolina residents have heard nothing about Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD) in the past year; only 10% have heard a great deal or moderate amount about
CWD. Hunters were more likely than non-hunters to have heard about CWD.
Q63. In the past year, would you say you've heard a great deal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing
about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
1
57
31
6
4
0 20 40 60 80 100
A great deal
A moderateamount
A little
Nothing
Don't know
Percent (n=201)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 123
Q63. In the past year, would you say you've heard a great deal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing
about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
0
38
38
13
13
2
61
30
5
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
A great deal
A moderateamount
A little
Nothing
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=40)Non-hunters (n=161)
124 Responsive Management
NUISANCE WILDLIFE AND DEER-VEHICLE COLLISIONS � One-fifth of respondents (20%) have had problems with wild animals, including birds, in the
past 2 years, and most commonly the problems were caused by deer, raccoons, opossums,
squirrels, and birds. Most commonly, the problems were with gardens, yards, pets, or
garbage, although substantial percentages of those who had problems named structural
damage to their home.
� An overwhelming majority (94%) of North Carolina residents have not experienced a
vehicle-deer collision in the past 12 months, either as driver or passenger; 5% have
experienced a collision while driving.
Q64. Sometimes people have problems with
wildlife in their neighborhoods or around their homes. Have you had any problems with any wild
animals or birds within the past 2 years?
0
79
20
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 125
Q66. Which wild animals have caused you problems? (Asked of those who had problems with wild animals and/or birds within the past 2 years.)
12
1
1
1
1
2
6
13
14
18
24
30
4
4
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Deer
Raccoons
Opossums
Squirrels
Birds
Foxes
Bear
Moles/gophers
Snakes
Rabbits
Beaver
Skunks
Woodchucks/groundhogs
Don't know
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=83)
126 Responsive Management
Q69. What kind of problems did the wildlife cause? (Asked of those who had problems with wild animals and/or birds within the past 2 years.)
13
1
11
14
16
17
19
28
6
5
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Gardens
Yards
Pets
Garbage
Structural damage to home
Threat to humans
Livestock
Agricultural damage
Vehicle collision
Don't know
Other
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=83)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 127
Q72. In the past 12 months, have you personally had a vehicle collision with a deer while riding or driving on North Carolina's roads or highways?
2
5
94
0 20 40 60 80 100
No
Yes, whiledriving
Yes, whileriding
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent (n=407)
128 Responsive Management
OPINIONS ON LAND USE AND FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
� North Carolina residents were asked about their opinion on six questions regarding land use and fish and wildlife management. The statement with the most agreement is that hunting and fishing are part of scientific management of fish and wildlife populations. Additionally, North Carolina residents showed deference for fish and wildlife habitat over human use of land: more respondents thought that the use and development of land should be restricted to protect fish and wildlife (44% strongly agreed) than thought either that landowners should be allowed to develop their land regardless of its impact on wildlife (10% strongly agreed) or that development for new home sites should take precedence over preserving wildlife habitat (7% strongly agreed).
� A large majority (83%) of North Carolina residents agree that hunting and fishing are part of
the scientific management of fish and wildlife populations, with slightly more strongly agreeing than moderately agreeing.
� While a large majority (82%) of North Carolina residents agree that the use and development
of land should be restricted to protect fish and wildlife, the agreement is divided about equally between strong agreement and moderate agreement.
� North Carolina residents are more likely to disagree than to agree that landowners should be
allowed to develop their land regardless of its impact on wildlife: 65% disagree, although a substantial percentage (26%) agree.
� A large majority (69%) of North Carolina residents agree that they can make a significant
difference in conserving fish and wildlife habitat � A majority (55%) agree that efforts to conserve wildlife habitat in North Carolina are
adequate, although a substantial percentage (25%) disagree. � A large majority (70%) of North Carolina residents disagree with always giving precedence
to building new homes for residents of North Carolina over conserving wildlife habitat in a choice between the two; 19% agree.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 129
Q173-Q178. Percent who strongly agree with the following statements.
47
44
29
15
10
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q173. Hunting and fishing are part of thescientific management of fish and wildlife
populations.
Q174. The use and development of landshould be restricted to protect fish and
wildlife.
Q176. I can make a significant difference inconserving fish and wildlife habitat.
Q177. I feel that efforts to conserve wildlifehabitat in North Carolina are adequate.
Q175. Landowners should be allowed todevelop their land regardless of its impact on
wildlife.
Q178. If it came down to a choice betweenconserving wildlife habitat or providing landfor new homes, we should always side with
providing new homes for the residents of ourstate.
130 Responsive Management
Q173-Q178. Percent who strongly or moderately agree with the following statements.
83
82
69
55
26
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q173. Hunting and fishing are part ofthe scientific management of fish and
wildlife populations.
Q174. The use and development ofland should be restricted to protect fish
and wildlife.
Q176. I can make a significantdifference in conserving fish and wildlife
habitat.
Q177. I feel that efforts to conservewildlife habitat in North Carolina are
adequate.
Q175. Landowners should be allowedto develop their land regardless of its
impact on wildlife.
Q178. If it came down to a choicebetween conserving wildlife habitat or
providing land for new homes, weshould always side with providing newhomes for the residents of our state.
Percent (n=403)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 131
Q173-Q178. Percent who strongly disagree with the following statements.
41
40
7
6
3
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q178. If it came down to a choice betweenconserving wildlife habitat or providing landfor new homes, we should always side with
providing new homes for the residents of ourstate.
Q175. Landowners should be allowed todevelop their land regardless of its impact on
wildlife.
Q177. I feel that efforts to conserve wildlifehabitat in North Carolina are adequate.
Q176. I can make a significant difference inconserving fish and wildlife habitat.
Q174. The use and development of landshould be restricted to protect fish and
wildlife.
Q173. Hunting and fishing are part of thescientific management of fish and wildlife
populations.
132 Responsive Management
Q173-Q178. Percent who strongly or moderately disagree with the following statements.
70
65
25
22
12
9
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q178. If it came down to a choice betweenconserving wildlife habitat or providing landfor new homes, we should always side with
providing new homes for the residents of ourstate.
Q175. Landowners should be allowed todevelop their land regardless of its impact on
wildlife.
Q177. I feel that efforts to conserve wildlifehabitat in North Carolina are adequate.
Q176. I can make a significant difference inconserving fish and wildlife habitat.
Q174. The use and development of landshould be restricted to protect fish and
wildlife.
Q173. Hunting and fishing are part of thescientific management of fish and wildlife
populations.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 133
Q173. Hunting and fishing are part of the scientific management of fish and wildlife populations. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement?
7
2
6
2
35
47
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
134 Responsive Management
Q174. The use and development of land should be restricted to protect fish and wildlife. Do you agree
or disagree with this statement?
3
3
9
3
37
44
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 135
Q175. Landowners should be allowed to develop their land regardless of its impact on wildlife. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement?
4
40
25
5
16
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
136 Responsive Management
Q176. I can make a significant difference in conserving fish and wildlife habitat. Do you agree
or disagree with this statement?
6
6
16
3
40
29
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 137
Q177. I feel that efforts to conserve wildlife habitat in North Carolina are adequate. Do you agree or
disagree with this statement?
17
7
17
3
40
15
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
138 Responsive Management
5
41
29
6
12
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly agree
Moderately agree
Neither agree nordisagree
Moderatelydisagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Q178. If it came down to a choice between conserving wildlife habitat or providing land for new homes, we
should always side with providing new homes for the residents of our state. Do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 139
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON FISH AND WILDLIFE AND CREDIBILITY OF SOURCES � Most commonly, North Carolina residents look for information on fish, wildlife, hunting,
fishing, wildlife watching, and other forms of wildlife-related outdoor recreation on the
Internet (34%), in magazines (14%), and in newspapers (10%). A majority (66%) of North
Carolina residents said they access the Internet daily or sometimes.
� North Carolina residents were asked about the credibility of eleven different possible sources
of information on fish and wildlife, and then the results were ranked. With the exception of
the National Wildlife Federation, governmental agencies and representatives had higher
credibility than not-for-profit advocacy organizations, such as sportsmen’s groups,
environmental groups, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The highest
scores for not credible by a majority were for PETA, The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and local sportsmen’s organizations.
� Hunters were more likely than non-hunters to consider the Commission and local
sportsmen’s organizations as very credible sources of information on fish and wildlife. They
were less likely to consider a professor of biology or natural resources at North Carolina
State University, the ASPCA, and PETA to be credible.
� Anglers were similar to non-anglers in their perceptions of credibility of sources of fish and
wildlife information, with two exceptions: they were more likely to consider local
sportsmen’s organizations credible, and they were less likely to consider that state’s
environmental agency credible.
140 Responsive Management
Q156. In general, where do you look for information on fish, wildlife, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching
or other forms of wildlife-related outdoor recreation? (Part 1.)
9
9
10
14
18
34
7
0 20 40 60 80 100
Internet
Don't look
Magazines
Newspapers
Agency publication
Friends/family/word-of-mouth
TV
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 141
Q156. In general, where do you look for information on fish, wildlife, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching
or other forms of wildlife-related outdoor recreation? (Part 2.)
2
3
4
4
5
5
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Books
Licenseagent/sporting
goods store
Don't know
At park, recreation,or other activity
area
Agency offices
Agency fish andgame officer
Other
Radio
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Percent
142 Responsive Management
Q205. Do you access the Internet daily, sometimes, rarely, or never?
1
27
7
18
48
0 20 40 60 80 100
Daily
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 143
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
58
56
56
54
45
45
40
40
26
21
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q165. National WildlifeFederation
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission WildlifeEnforcement Officer
Q162. U.S. Fish and WildlifeService
Q163. A biologist with the NCWildlife Resources Commission
Q164. A professor of biology ornatural resources at NorthCarolina State University
Q161. State's environmentalagency
Q166. The American Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA)
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q169. A local sportsmen'sorganization
Q170. People for the EthicalTreatment of Animals (PETA)
Percent (n=407)
144 Responsive Management
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very or somewhat credible as a source of
information on fish and wildlife.
83
83
80
80
77
74
73
72
69
66
48
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission Wildlife Enforcement
Officer
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q162. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Q161. State's environmental agency
Q163. A biologist with the NC WildlifeResources Commission
Q164. A professor of biology or naturalresources at North Carolina State
UniversityQ166. The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA)
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q169. A local sportsmen's organization
Q170. People for the Ethical Treatmentof Animals (PETA)
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 145
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are not credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
23
11
11
5
4
2
2
1
1
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q170. People for the Ethical Treatmentof Animals (PETA)
Q166. The American Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA)
Q169. A local sportsmen's organization
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q161. State's environmental agency
Q163. A biologist with the NC WildlifeResources Commission
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q162. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Q164. A professor of biology or naturalresources at North Carolina State
UniversityQ168. A NC Wildlife Resources
Commission Wildlife EnforcementOfficer
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Percent (n=407)
146 Responsive Management
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
62
54
53
53
49
41
38
32
32
24
13
55
59
54
57
45
40
41
19
27
20
46
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q165. National WildlifeFederation
Q162. U.S. Fish and WildlifeService
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission WildlifeEnforcement Officer
Q163. A biologist with the NCWildlife Resources Commission
Q161. State's environmentalagency
Q164. A professor of biology ornatural resources at NorthCarolina State University
Q166. The American Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA)
Q169. A local sportsmen'sorganization
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q170. People for the EthicalTreatment of Animals (PETA)
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=117)
Non-hunters (n=279)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 147
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very or somewhat credible as a source of
information on fish and wildlife.
87
87
85
85
79
78
78
69
68
59
31
82
82
79
79
77
73
63
74
69
75
52
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission Wildlife Enforcement
OfficerQ160. NC Wildlife Resources
Commission
Q162. U.S. Fish and WildlifeService
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q161. State's environmentalagency
Q163. A biologist with the NCWildlife Resources Commission
Q169. A local sportsmen'sorganization
Q164. A professor of biology ornatural resources at North Carolina
State UniversityQ167. A local environmental
organizationQ166. The American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals (ASPCA)
Q170. People for the EthicalTreatment of Animals (PETA)
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters(n=117)Non-hunters(n=279)
148 Responsive Management
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are not credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
0
1
1
1
3
3
3
6
32
24
10
1
2
1
4
2
1
0
12
4
8
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q170. People for the EthicalTreatment of Animals (PETA)
Q166. The American Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA)
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q169. A local sportsmen'sorganization
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q162. U.S. Fish and WildlifeService
Q163. A biologist with the NCWildlife Resources Commission
Q161. State's environmentalagency
Q164. A professor of biology ornatural resources at North Carolina
State University
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission Wildlife Enforcement
Officer
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=117)
Non-hunters (n=279)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 149
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
58
57
57
55
47
46
41
36
28
26
18
55
55
59
53
45
45
39
43
25
18
20
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission Wildlife Enforcement
Officer
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q162. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Q163. A biologist with the NC WildlifeResources Commission
Q164. A professor of biology or naturalresources at North Carolina State
UniversityQ166. The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA)
Q161. State's environmental agency
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q169. A local sportsmen's organization
Q170. People for the Ethical Treatmentof Animals (PETA)
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=175)
Non-anglers (n=223)
150 Responsive Management
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are very or somewhat credible as a source of
information on fish and wildlife.
88
86
86
82
76
76
74
72
72
70
45
80
81
77
79
78
73
73
62
68
74
51
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission WildlifeEnforcement Officer
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q162. U.S. Fish and WildlifeService
Q165. National WildlifeFederation
Q161. State's environmentalagency
Q163. A biologist with the NCWildlife Resources Commission
Q164. A professor of biology ornatural resources at NorthCarolina State University
Q169. A local sportsmen'sorganization
Q167. A local environmentalorganization
Q166. The American Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA)
Q170. People for the EthicalTreatment of Animals (PETA)
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers(n=175)
Non-anglers (n=223)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 151
Q160-Q170. Percent who think the following are not credible as a source of information on fish and
wildlife.
28
13
11
7
6
3
3
3
1
1
1
19
9
10
4
2
2
1
1
2
0
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q170. People for the Ethical Treatment ofAnimals (PETA)
Q166. The American Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA)
Q169. A local sportsmen's organization
Q167. A local environmental organization
Q161. State's environmental agency
Q163. A biologist with the NC WildlifeResources Commission
Q164. A professor of biology or naturalresources at North Carolina State
University
Q165. National Wildlife Federation
Q162. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Q160. NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission
Q168. A NC Wildlife ResourcesCommission Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=175)
Non-anglers (n=223)
152 Responsive Management
PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
� Residents were asked about their participation in 20 outdoor recreation activities in the past
12 months. A majority of residents of North Carolina fed birds or other wildlife on a regular
basis (60%), and half visited a state or national park (50%). Other outdoor recreation
activities that have relatively high participation rates are closely observing/trying to identify
birds and/or wildlife within a mile of home (44%) and freshwater fishing (41%).
� Those who went camping were asked about the type of camping that they did. A majority
(57%) of all campers had camped in a tent in a campground; 20% had participated in
wilderness camping, and 19% had camped in a recreational vehicle (RV). The rates of
participation out of all respondents is also shown for each type of camping.
� Those who had hunted were asked how many days they had hunted in the past year. Half
(50%) had hunted for less than 2 weeks total. The mean was 28.3 days; the median was 11
days.
� Those who had freshwater or saltwater fished were asked how many days they had fished in
the past year: 43% had fished for less than a week total, and a majority (59%) had fished for
less than 2 weeks total. The mean was 19.9 days; the median was 10 days.
� Those who had taken trips to view wildlife were asked how many days they had taken
wildlife viewing trips in the past year: 47% had done so for less than 1 week. The mean was
12.1 days; the median was 7 days.
� Just over a quarter of households (28%) have a member who went hunting in the past 5 years
in North Carolina. A large majority of households (67%) have a member who went fishing
in the past 5 years in North Carolina.
� Almost half of households (46%) have a member who took a trip of at least a mile to view
fish and/or wildlife in the past 12 months in North Carolina.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 153
� About a third of respondents (34%) have attended an educational program that dealt with fish
or wildlife. Hunters and anglers were more likely than non-hunters and non-anglers to have
attended an educational program that dealt with fish or wildlife.
24
30
32
60
50
44
41
34
32
23
0 20 40 60 80 100
Feeding birds or other wildlife on aregular basis
Visiting a state or national park
Closely observing or trying to identifybirds and wildlife within a mile of home
Freshwater fishing
Taking a trip or outing of at least 1 milefrom home to observe wildlife
Maintaining plantings where the benefitto wildlife is the primary concern
Hiking
Maintaining a natural area of a quarteracre or more for the benefit of wildlife
Camping
Motorboating (not including jetskiing)
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
ed
Q11/13. First, I'm going to read a list of outdoor activities, and I would like to know if you've participated in each in
the past 12 months. Have you participated in...? Part 1.
Percent (n=407)
154 Responsive Management
1
12
13
15
20
21
22
6
6
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
Photographing wildlife within a mile ofhome
Visiting a park within 1 mile of home toobserve wildlife
Saltwater fishing
Hunting
Canoeing/kayaking
Other biking
Mountain biking
Jetskiing
Sailing
Trapping
Mul
tiple
Res
pons
es A
llow
edQ11/13. First, I'm going to read a list of outdoor
activities, and I would like to know if you've participated in each in the past 12 months. Have you
participated in...? Part 2.
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 155
1
2
20
57
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Camping using an RV
Camping in a tent in acampground
Backcountry/wildernesscamping
None of the above
Don't know
Percent (n=98)
Q14. Which best describes the camping that you have done in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who
camped in the past 12 months.)
156 Responsive Management
Q14. Which best describes the camping that you have done in the past 12 months? (Out of all
respondents.)
0
0
5
14
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
Camping using an RV
Camping in a tent in acampground
Backcountry/wildernesscamping
None of the above
Don't know which bestdescribes type of
camping
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 157
Q16. About how many days did you go hunting in the past year? (Asked of those who hunted in the
past 12 months.)
3
32
18
17
5
25
0 20 40 60 80 100
28 or more
21 to 27
14 to 20
7 to 13
1 to 6
Don't know
Percent (n=60)
Mean = 28.3Median = 11
158 Responsive Management
Q15. About how many days did you fish in the past year? (Asked of those who fished in the past 12
months.)
1
43
16
16
4
20
0 20 40 60 80 100
28 or more
21 to 27
14 to 20
7 to 13
1 to 6
Don't know
Percent (n=188)
Mean = 19.9Median = 10
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 159
Q17. About how many days did you take a trip or outing of at least 1 mile from home for the primary purpose of observing, feeding, or photographing
fish and/or wildlife? (Asked of those who participated in the activity in the past 12 months.)
4
47
21
13
4
11
0 20 40 60 80 100
28 or more
21 to 27
14 to 20
7 to 13
1 to 6
Don't know
Percent (n=137)
Mean = 12.1Median = 7
160 Responsive Management
Q195. In the past 5 years have you or any member of your household gone hunting in North Carolina?
0
72
28
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 161
Q193. In the past 5 years have you or any member of your household gone fishing in North Carolina?
33
67
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Percent (n=407)
162 Responsive Management
1
54
46
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Q196. In the past 12 months have you or any member of your household taken a trip or outing of at least 1
mile from home for the primary purpose of observing, feeding, or photographing fish and/or wildlife in North
Carolina?
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 163
Q197. Have you ever attended an educational program that dealt with fish or wildlife, such as a
class, wildlife demonstration, or talk?
1
65
34
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
164 Responsive Management
Q197. Have you ever attended an educational program that dealt with fish or wildlife, such as a
class, wildlife demonstration, or talk?
1
46
53
1
69
31
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves hunters (n=68)Non-hunters (n=339)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 165
Q197. Have you ever attended an educational program that dealt with fish or wildlife, such as a
class, wildlife demonstration, or talk?
1
57
43
0
70
30
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Don't know
Percent
Those who considerthemselves anglers (n=148)Non-anglers (n=258)
166 Responsive Management
APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING � A majority of North Carolina residents (84%) approve of legal hunting; a majority (95%)
approve of legal, recreational fishing. Residents are split on legal, regulated trapping: 46%
approve, but 41% disapprove.
Q180. In general, do you approve or disapprove of legal hunting?
2
8
4
1
33
51
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly approve
Moderatelyapprove
Neither approvenor disapprove
Moderatelydisapprove
Stronglydisapprove
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 167
Q181. In general, do you approve or disapprove of legal recreational fishing?
1
1
1
1
29
66
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly approve
Moderatelyapprove
Neither approvenor disapprove
Moderatelydisapprove
Stronglydisapprove
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
168 Responsive Management
Q182. In general, do you approve or disapprove of legal, regulated trapping?
11
28
13
3
25
21
0 20 40 60 80 100
Strongly approve
Moderatelyapprove
Neither approvenor disapprove
Moderatelydisapprove
Stronglydisapprove
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 169
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA � North Carolina residents primarily consider their place of residence to be in a rural area
(44%) or small city or town (31%); 13% said they consider their place of residence to be in a
suburban area, and 12% said a large city or urban area.
� The most common household size in North Carolina is 2 people. The mean household size is
2.7 people.
� The majority (61%) of North Carolina residents have no children 17 or younger living in
their household; 37% have one or more children living in their household. The mean is 0.7
children.
� An overwhelming majority (80%) of North Carolina residents own their current place of
residence.
� A majority (54%) of North Carolina residents have lived in their community for 10 years or
more. The mean is 17.0 years. Also, 56% of residents have lived in North Carolina for 30
years of more, and the mean is 33.5 years.
� A majority (65%) of North Carolina residents are married; about a quarter (27%) are single.
� While 43% of North Carolina residents have gone no further than high school, with or
without getting a diploma, a majority (53%) have attended college, with or without getting a
degree. Also, 37% have obtained at least an Associate or trade school degree.
� Household incomes are fairly widely spread, as shown in the graph.
� In general, the age of respondents follow a bell curve, with the peak in the 45 to 54 years old
category. The mean age is 48.6 years.
� There were slightly more females than males that answered the survey questions.
170 Responsive Management
� In addition to the graphs of demographic characteristics of the sample, graphs are included
comparing selected demographic characteristics of the sample with the demographic
characteristics of the general population of North Carolina from the U.S. Census.
Q199. Do you consider your place of residence to be in a large city or urban area, a suburban area, a
small city/town, or a rural area?
1
44
31
13
12
0 20 40 60 80 100
Large city or urbanarea
Suburban area
Small city or town
Rural area
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 171
Q200. What is the total number of people living in your household, including yourself?
10
14
19
41
14
0
1
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3
4
5 or more
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Mean = 2.7
172 Responsive Management
Q201. How many children, age 17 or younger, do you have living in your household?
2
0
8
11
17
61
0 20 40 60 80 100
0
1
2
3 or more
Don't know
Refused
Percent (n=406)
Mean = 0.7
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 173
Q202. Do you rent or own your current place of residence?
2
0
80
18
0 20 40 60 80 100
Rent
Own
Occupy withoutcash rent
Refused
Percent (n=407)
174 Responsive Management
Q203. How many consecutive years have you lived in your community?
13
14
7
12
9
12
30
1
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
40 years or more
30-39 years
20-29 years
15-19 years
10-14 years
5-9 years
Less than 5 years
Don't know
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Mean = 17.0
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 175
Q204. How many consecutive years have you lived in North Carolina?
8
8
5
14
17
38
9
0
2
0 20 40 60 80 100
40 years or more
30-39 years
20-29 years
15-19 years
10-14 years
5-9 years
Less than 5 years
Don't know
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Mean = 33.5
176 Responsive Management
Q206. What is your marital status?
1
7
27
65
0 20 40 60 80 100
Married
Single
Widowed
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 177
Q207. What is the highest grade level you have completed in school?
7
19
8
17
33
10
2
4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Not a High Schoolgraduate
High schoolgraduate orequivalent
Some college ortrade school, no
degree
Associate degreeor trade school
degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Professional (e.g.,M.D.) or doctorate
degree
Refused
Percent (n=407)
178 Responsive Management
Q208. Which of these categories best describes your total household income before taxes last
year?
9
6
10
17
18
12
9
19
0 20 40 60 80 100
Less than $20,000
$20,000 to$39,999
$40,000 to$59,999
$60,000 to$79,999
$80,000 to$99,999
$100,000 or more
Don't know
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 179
Q209. May I ask your age?
7
14
19
24
18
15
3
0 20 40 60 80 100
65 years old orolder
55-64 years old
45-54 years old
35-44 years old
25-34 years old
18-24 years old
Refused
Percent (n=407)
Mean = 48.6
180 Responsive Management
Q211. Respondent's gender (not asked, but observed by interviewer).
1
54
45
0 20 40 60 80 100
Male
Female
Don't know
Percent (n=407)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 181
Q200.-Q201. Mean number of people/children in the household
2.7
0.7
2.5
0.6
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Averagehousehold
size
Averagenumber of
children under18 per
household
Mean
U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Responsive Management(2004)
182 Responsive Management
Q202. Do you rent or own your current place of residence? (Refused responses and "occupy
without cash rent" not included when calculating percentages.)
82
18
31
69
0 20 40 60 80 100
Owneroccupied
Renteroccupied
Percent (n=397)
U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Responsive Management(2004)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 183
Q207. What is the highest grade level you have completed in school? (Refused responses not
included when calculating percentages.)
10
34
17
8
20
10
7
15
7
21
28
22
0 20 40 60 80 100
Not a High Schoolgraduate
High schoolgraduate orequivalent
Some college ortrade school, no
degree
Associate degree ortrade school degree
Bachelor's degree
Master'sdegree/Professional
(e.g., M.D.) ordoctorate degree
Percent (n=391)
U.S. Census Bureau 2000(25 and over)Responsive Management(2004, 18 and over)
184 Responsive Management
Q208. Which of these categories best describes your total household income before taxes last
year?(Refused responses not included when calculating
percentages.)
17
25
24
22
12
9
19
21
27
24
0 20 40 60 80 100
Less than$20,000
$20,000 to$39,999
$40,000 to$59,999
$60,000 to$99,999
$100,000 ormore
Percent (n=294)
U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Responsive Management(2004)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 185
Q209. May I ask your age?(Refused responses not included when calculating
percentages.)
16
19
25
19
15
7
16
12
18
21
20
13
0 20 40 60 80 100
65 years oldor older
55-64 yearsold
45-54 yearsold
35-44 yearsold
25-34 yearsold
18-24 yearsold
Percent (n=394)
U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Responsive Management(2004)
186 Responsive Management
Q211. Respondent's gender (not asked, but observed by interviewer).
45
55
52
48
0 20 40 60 80 100
Male
Female
Percent (n=404)
U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Responsive Management(2004)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 187
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I am concerned that under this administration we will see too much development and not enough protection. The Commission desperately needs more funding. I disagree with the saltwater fishing license. I do not agree with the saltwater fishing license. I do not get enough information on these subjects. I am concerned about erosion from logging. I would like to see the deer season extended. I frequently run into bikers who utilize public land, which is also open for hunting. They don’t wear any orange during hunting seasons and have had a couple close calls in which one of them could have been seriously injured during hunting [season]. I had an extremely hard time contacting the agency through the phone. Litter and road kill not being cleaned up is a big problem. I love the nature centers. I am concerned about the mercury levels in water. I would like more law enforcement, conservation of habitats, and better control over the quality of water, especially near the coast. I would like more state-run public fishing areas. The Commission needs to organize hunts to manage the deer population. There needs to be more safety education. There is not enough information out to the public. There are exceptional cases when they need to do something about wildlife that damages property, such as removing the wildlife. We had a bear in the backyard that destroyed my dog pen, fence, and part of my house. There needs to be more enforcement on the pollution which is dumped upstream and is carried down to where I live. There needs to be regulation in zoning in terms of urban sprawl. Davidson, North Carolina, has good zoning laws; they don’t let you build crappy developments. There needs to be zoning regulations across the state. [Development] takes up beautiful open land. [We need to] leave some of it undeveloped. They could do a much better job, and politics should not play a part in conservation. I see water pollution and dead fish in the water in Pembroke, as well as dead animals around, and wetlands are being ripped up to build homes. They need to stay on funding and use resources to protect wildlife. I am upset about netting in saltwater. I am upset that a wetland was turned into a marina (Lake Adger). I also feel that senior citizens should have a one-time fishing license. I am worried about drinking water.
188 Responsive Management
SURVEY INSTRUMENT 2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey
1. PRESS RETURN WHEN INTERVIEW BEGINSSTART
TIMER STARTS AFTER THIS SCREEN
2. Time when interview beganTIME1 1:1-5
|__|__|__|__|__|
3. SURVEY NAMESNAME 1:6
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. SEAFWA
4. ENTER STATE FROM CALLSHEET.STATE 1:7-8
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 4)|__| 2. Alabama|__| 3. Arkansas|__| 4. Florida|__| 5. Georgia|__| 6. Kentucky|__| 7. Louisiana|__| 8. Maryland|__| 9. Mississippi|__| 10. Missouri|__| 11. North Carolina|__| 12. Oklahoma|__| 13. South Carolina|__| 14. Tennessee|__| 15. Texas|__| 16. Virginia|__| 17. West Virginia
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 189
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 2
5. IDENTIFICATION OF APPROPRIATE STATE AGENCY.STATEAG 1:9-10
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another.|__| 2. AL Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division|__| 3. AR Game & Fish Commission|__| 4. FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission|__| 5. GA Wildlife Resources Division|__| 6. KY Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources|__| 7. LA Department of Wildlife & Fisheries|__| 8. MD Department of Natural Resources|__| 9. MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks|__| 10. MO Department of Conservation|__| 11. NC Wildlife Resources Commission|__| 12. OK Department of Wildlife Conservation|__| 13. SC Department of Natural Resources|__| 14. TN Wildlife Resources Agency|__| 15. TX Parks & Wildlife Department|__| 16. VA Department of Game & Inland Fisheries|__| 17. WV Division of Natural Resources
COMPUTE IF (#4 = 1) 1COMPUTE IF (#4 = 2) 2COMPUTE IF (#4 = 3) 3COMPUTE IF (#4 = 4) 4COMPUTE IF (#4 = 5) 5COMPUTE IF (#4 = 6) 6COMPUTE IF (#4 = 7) 7COMPUTE IF (#4 = 8) 8COMPUTE IF (#4 = 9) 9COMPUTE IF (#4 = 10) 10COMPUTE IF (#4 = 11) 11COMPUTE IF (#4 = 12) 12COMPUTE IF (#4 = 13) 13COMPUTE IF (#4 = 14) 14COMPUTE IF (#4 = 15) 15COMPUTE IF (#4 = 16) 16
190 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 3
6. IDENTIFICATION OF APPROPRIATE STATE UNIVERSITY.STATEEDU 1:11-12
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another.|__| 2. Auburn University|__| 3. The University of Arkansas|__| 4. A state-supported Florida university|__| 5. The University of Georgia|__| 6. The University of Kentucky|__| 7. Louisiana State University|__| 8. The University of Maryland|__| 9. The University of Mississippi|__| 10. The University of Missouri|__| 11. North Carolina State University|__| 12. The University of Oklahoma|__| 13. Clemson University|__| 14. The University of Tennessee|__| 15. Texas A&M University|__| 16. Virginia Tech|__| 17. West Virginia University
COMPUTE #4
7. IDENTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TITLE.OFFICER 1:13-14
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another.|__| 2. Conservation Officer|__| 3. Wildlife Officer|__| 4. Law Enforcement Officer|__| 5. Conservation Ranger|__| 6. Law Enforcement Officer|__| 7. Wildlife Enforcement Agent|__| 8. Natural Resources Police Officer|__| 9. Conservation Officer|__| 10. Conservation Agent|__| 11. Wildlife Enforcement Officer|__| 12. Game Warden|__| 13. Law Enforcement Officer|__| 14. Wildlife Officer|__| 15. Game Warden|__| 16. Game Warden|__| 17. Conservation Officer
COMPUTE #4
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 191
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 4
8. Hello, my name is ___________, and I’m not selling anything. I’mcalling for the state of #4 under a grant from the U.S. Fish& Wildlife Service to ask you some questions about wildlifeand outdoor recreation in #4. Do you have time to answer somequestions for me, please? (IF YES, ARE YOU 18 OR OVER?) Thank youvery much for your time. (START SURVEY.)
CONPER 1:15-16(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Correct person, good time to do survey (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 2. Bad time/schedule recall (CB - do not save) (GO TO QUESTION 9)|__| 3. AM, NA, BZ (do not save)|__| 4. TM|__| 5. RF|__| 6. NE|__| 7. DS|__| 8. BG|__| 9. DL|__| 10. Bad Number (missing digit, begins with zero, etc.)
SKIP TO QUESTION 215===========================================================
9. When would be a more convenient time to call you back?Thank you for your time.
WHENCALLENTER DAY AND TIME ON CALLSHEET (CB)
SKIP TO QUESTION 215===========================================================
10. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BARNOSPAC1
PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
192 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 5
11. First, I’m going to read a list of outdoor activities, andI would like to know if you’ve participated in each in thepast 12 months. Have you participated in...?(READ LIST; CHECK IF YES)
ACTIV 1:17-29(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Hiking|__| 2. Camping|__| 3. Closely observing or trying to identify birds and wildlife|__| 4. within a mile of home (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 5. Photographing wildlife within a mile of home|__| 6. Feeding birds or other wildlife on a regular basis|__| 7. Maintaining a natural area of a quarter acre or more where|__| 8. the benefit to wildlife is the primary concern (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 9. Maintaining plantings where the benefit to wildlife is the|__| 10. primary concern (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 11. Visiting a park within 1 mile of home for the primary purpose|__| 12. of observing, feeding, or photographing wildlife (GO TO QUESTION 11)|__| 13. (DNR: None of these)
IF (#11 = 0) GO TO #10
SKIP TO QUESTION 13===========================================================
12. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BARNOSPAC1A
PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 193
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 6
13. What about...? (Have you participated in the followingin the past 12 months?)(READ LIST; CHECK IF YES)
ACTIV2 1:30-45(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Taking a trip or outing OF AT LEAST 1 MILE from home for the|__| 2. primary purpose of observing, feeding, or photographing (GO TO QUESTION
13)|__| 3. fish and/or wildlife. This does not include in zoos, (GO TO QUESTION 13)|__| 4. museums, aquariums, circuses, or amusement parks. (GO TO QUESTION 13)|__| 5. Mountain biking|__| 6. Other biking|__| 7. Visiting a state or national park|__| 8. Motorboating (NOT including jetskiing)|__| 9. Jetskiing|__| 10. Sailing|__| 11. Canoeing/kayaking|__| 12. Freshwater fishing|__| 13. Saltwater fishing|__| 14. Hunting|__| 15. Trapping|__| 16. (DNR: None of these)
IF (#13 = 0) GO TO #12IF (#11 @ 2) GO TO #14IF (#13 @ 12) GO TO #15IF (#13 @ 13) GO TO #15IF (#13 @ 14) GO TO #16IF (#13 @ 1) GO TO #17
SKIP TO QUESTION 18===========================================================
14. Which best describes the camping that you have done in thepast 12 months?
CAMPTYPE 1:46(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 14)|__| 2. Camping using an RV|__| 3. Camping in a tent in a campground|__| 4. Backcountry/wilderness camping|__| 5. None of the above|__| 6. Don’t know
IF (#13 @ 12) GO TO #15IF (#13 @ 13) GO TO #15IF (#13 @ 14) GO TO #16IF (#13 @ 1) GO TO #17
SKIP TO QUESTION 18===========================================================
194 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 7
15. About how many days did you fish in thepast year? (Part of a day counts as 1 day.)(ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
DAYSFISH 1:47-49|__|__|__| days
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 365
IF (#13 @ 14) GO TO #16IF (#13 @ 1) GO TO #17
SKIP TO QUESTION 18===========================================================
16. About how many days did you go hunting in thepast year? (Part of a day counts as 1 day.)(ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
DAYSHUNT 1:50-52|__|__|__| days
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 365
IF (#13 @ 1) GO TO #17
SKIP TO QUESTION 18===========================================================
17. About how many days did you take a trip or outing of at least1 mile from home for the primary purpose of observing, feeding,or photographing fish and/or wildlife?(Part of a day counts as 1 day.)(ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
DAYSVIEW 1:53-55|__|__|__| days
LOWEST VALUE = 1HIGHEST VALUE = 365
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 195
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 8
18. Which one government agency would you say is mostresponsible for managing and conserving fishand wildlife in #4? (IF ASKED, WILDLIFEREFERS TO ANIMALS IN A NATURAL, UNDOMESTICATED STATE)(DO NOT READ LIST)
NAMEAG 1:56(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 18)|__| 2. Correct state agency (REFER TO LIST OF STATE AGENCIES)|__| 3. Essentially correct derivative of state agency|__| 4. Incorrect answer|__| 5. Don’t know
19. The #5is responsible for managing and conserving fishand wildlife in #4.
Before this survey, would you say you knew a greatdeal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing aboutthe #5?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY)
AGKNOW 1:57(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 19)|__| 2. A great deal|__| 3. A moderate amount|__| 4. A little|__| 5. Nothing|__| 6. Don’t know
196 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 9
20. Now I would like to ask about your opinionsregarding the #5.
Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the#5 as agovernmental agency in #4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DEPTSAT 1:58(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 20)|__| 2. Very satisfied|__| 3. Somewhat satisfied|__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied|__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied|__| 6. Very dissatisfied|__| 7. Don’t know
SKIP TO QUESTION 22===========================================================
21. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC2PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 197
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 10
22. What do you see as the benefits the#5provides you with?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
BENEFT 1:59-74(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. There are no benefits|__| 2. Opportunity to hunt|__| 3. Opportunity to fish|__| 4. Opportunity to boat|__| 5. Opportunity to view wildlife|__| 6. Conserving/protecting wildlife|__| 7. Conserving/protecting natural resources|__| 8. Conserving/protecting habitat|__| 9. Conserving/protecting threatened or endangered species|__| 10. Conserving/protecting the environment|__| 11. Enforcing fish and wildlife laws|__| 12. Enforcing boating laws|__| 13. Making hunting safer|__| 14. Making boating safer|__| 15. Don’t know|__| 16. Other
IF (#22 = 0) GO TO #21IF (#22 @ 16) GO TO #23
SKIP TO QUESTION 24===========================================================
23. ENTER OTHER BENEFIT OF AGENCY.BENEFTST 2:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
24. Now I’m going to read a list of statements, and I’dlike to know if you agree or disagree with each one.
AGPRCPTPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
198 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 11
25. RANDOMIZATION FOR AGENCY ATTITUDES QUESTIONSAGNCYRND 2:241
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Q1 (GO TO QUESTION 26)|__| 2. Q2 (GO TO QUESTION 27)|__| 3. Q3 (GO TO QUESTION 28)|__| 4. Q4 (GO TO QUESTION 29)|__| 5. Q5 (GO TO QUESTION 30)|__| 6. Q6 (GO TO QUESTION 31)
SKIP TO QUESTION 37===========================================================
26. The #5primarily serves the interests of hunters and anglers.(IF ASKED, ANGLERS REFERS TO FISHERMEN.)
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
INTEREST 2:242(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 26)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 2 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 2) GO TO #37
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 199
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 12
27. The #5effectively balances the interests of anglers, hunters,conservation groups, and the general public.(IF ASKED, ANGLERS REFERS TO FISHERMEN.)
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
BALANCE 2:243(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 27)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 3 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 3) GO TO #37
28. The work of the#5is primarily influenced by environmental and/or conservationgroups.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
INFLUENC 2:244(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 28)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 4 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 4) GO TO #37
200 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 13
29. The work of the#5is primarily influenced by politics.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
POLITICS 2:245(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 29)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 5 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 5) GO TO #37
30. Scientific fish and wildlife methods serveas the primary guide for the work of the#5.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
METHODS 2:246(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 30)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 6 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 6) GO TO #37
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 201
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 14
31. The #5is doing enough to conserve our state’s fish and wildlifepopulations.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
ENOUGH 2:247(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 31)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#25 = 1 AND #4 = 15) GO TO #33IF (#25 = 1) GO TO #37
SKIP TO QUESTION 26===========================================================
32. RESERVED FOR TEXAS STATE-SPECIFIC QUESTION
SKIP TO QUESTION 37===========================================================
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 15
36. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC3PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
202 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 16
37. What would you say are the MOST important fish or wildlifeissues facing #4 today? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
ISSUE 3:30-47(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. There are none (no important issues)|__| 2. Habitat loss|__| 3. Habitat fragmentation|__| 4. Wildlife health|__| 5. Development/urban sprawl|__| 6. Low nongame wildlife populations|__| 7. Low game populations|__| 8. Low fish populations|__| 9. Poaching/fish and wildlife violations|__| 10. Not enough water/water quantity|__| 11. Polluted water/water quality|__| 12. Air pollution/air quality|__| 13. Threatened or endangered species|__| 14. Exotic/invasive species|__| 15. Too many users|__| 16. Protection of greenspace|__| 17. Don’t know|__| 18. Other
IF (#37 = 0) GO TO #36IF (#37 @ 18) GO TO #38
SKIP TO QUESTION 39===========================================================
38. ENTER OTHER ISSUE.ISSUEST 4:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
39. RANDOMIZE GROUPS.RANIMP 4:241
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. rank1|__| 2. rank2 (GO TO QUESTION 49)
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 203
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 17
40. People associate several different values with naturalresources and outdoor recreation. I’d like to know if eachof the following values is important or unimportant to you.
VALUESPress ENTER to continue
41. Is it important or unimportant to you thatwildlife exists in #4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
WLDEXIST 4:242(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 41)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
42. Is it important or unimportant to you that fish and wildlifepopulations are being properly managed and conserved in#4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
GIVMGT 4:243(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 42)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
204 Responsive Management
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43. Is it important or unimportant to you that peoplehave the opportunity to FISH recreationallyin #4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
KNOWFISH 4:244(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 43)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
44. Is it important or unimportant to you that peoplehave the opportunity to HUNT in #4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
KNOWHUNT 4:245(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 44)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
45. Is it important or unimportant to you that people havethe opportunity to VIEW WILDLIFE in #4?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
VIEWWILD 4:246(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 45)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 205
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 19
46. Is it important or unimportant to you that ECOLOGICALLYIMPORTANT HABITATS AND LANDS in #4are being conserved?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
LANDS 4:247(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 46)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
47. Is it important or unimportant to you that natural areasexist in #4 for ENJOYING ANDEXPERIENCING NATURE?
EXPNAT 4:248(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 47)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
48. Is it important or unimportant to you that#4’s WATER RESOURCES are safeand well protected?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
H2O 4:249(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 48)|__| 2. Very important|__| 3. Somewhat important|__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant|__| 5. Somewhat unimportant|__| 6. Very unimportant|__| 7. Don’t know
SKIP TO QUESTION 64===========================================================
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2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 20
49. Do you think #4’s waters, that isrivers, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers,are healthy or unhealthy?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
H2OHLTH 4:250(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 49)|__| 2. Very healthy|__| 3. Somewhat healthy|__| 4. Neither healthy nor unhealthy|__| 5. Somewhat unhealthy|__| 6. Very unhealthy|__| 7. Don’t know
50. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not concerned and 10is extremely concerned, how concerned are you about WATERQUALITY in #4? (ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
QUANCRN 5:1-2|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
51. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not concerned and 10is extremely concerned, how concerned are you about WATERQUANTITY, that is, the amount of water,in #4? (ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
QUALCRN 5:3-4|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 207
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52. Are you more concerned about water resources in#4 for people, for fish andwildlife, or both about equally?
WHYCNCRN 5:5(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 52)|__| 2. People|__| 3. Fish and wildlife|__| 4. Both about equally|__| 5. DNR: Not concerned for either|__| 6. DNR: Don’t know
SKIP TO QUESTION 54===========================================================
53. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC99PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
54. What do you feel are the major factors contributing to WATERQUALITY issues in #4?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
MPACT 5:6-16(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Agricultural runoff|__| 2. Industrial waste|__| 3. Wastewater treatment plants/sewage|__| 4. Stormwater runoff|__| 5. Litter/trash|__| 6. Pet waste|__| 7. Wild animal waste|__| 8. Shipping waste|__| 9. Acid rain|__| 10. Oil spills|__| 11. Other
IF (#54 = 0) GO TO #53IF (#54 @ 11) GO TO #55
SKIP TO QUESTION 57===========================================================
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55. ENTER OTHER FACTOR.MPACTST 6:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
SKIP TO QUESTION 57===========================================================
56. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC98PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
57. What do you feel are the major factors contributing to WATERQUANTITY issues in #4?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
USEM 6:241-246(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Agricultural use/irrigation|__| 2. Industrial/commercial use|__| 3. Residential use/lawns|__| 4. Drought|__| 5. Water diversions|__| 6. Other
IF (#57 = 0) GO TO #56IF (#57 @ 6) GO TO #58
SKIP TO QUESTION 59===========================================================
58. ENTER OTHER FACTOR.USEMST 7:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 209
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 23
59. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is not concerned and 10is extremely concerned, how concerned are you about THREATENEDAND ENDANGERED SPECIES in #4? (ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW)
TNECNCRN 7:241-242|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
SKIP TO QUESTION 61===========================================================
60. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BARNOSPAC71
PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
61. What do you feel are the major factors contributing tospecies becoming THREATENED or ENDANGERED in #4?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
TNFCTR 8:1-15(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Habitat loss/fragmentation (urban sprawl, etc.)|__| 2. Food source imperiled|__| 3. Change to ecosystem (e.g., water temperature change)|__| 4. Natural causes|__| 5. Disease|__| 6. Pollution|__| 7. Pesticides/herbicides|__| 8. Ingestion of trash/entanglement in trash|__| 9. Accidents with human-made objects (e.g., cars, power lines)|__| 10. Exotic/invasive species|__| 11. Climate change|__| 12. Overhunting/over-trapping/overfishing (legal hunting/fishing/trapping)|__| 13. Poaching|__| 14. Don’t know|__| 15. Other
IF (#61 = 0) GO TO #60IF (#61 @ 15) GO TO #62
SKIP TO QUESTION 63===========================================================
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62. ENTER OTHER MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.TNEFACST 8:16-135
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
63. In the past year, would you say you’ve heard a greatdeal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing aboutChronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY)
HEARCWD 8:136(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 63)|__| 2. A great deal|__| 3. A moderate amount|__| 4. A little|__| 5. Nothing|__| 6. Don’t know
64. Sometimes people have problems with wildlife in theirneighborhoods or around their homes. Have you had any problemswith any wild animals or birds within the past 2 years?
WILDPROB 8:137(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 64)|__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 66)|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
SKIP TO QUESTION 72===========================================================
65. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BARNOSPAC4
PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 211
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66. Which wild animals have caused you problems?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHATAN 8:138-153(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Squirrels|__| 2. Deer|__| 3. Bear|__| 4. Raccoons|__| 5. Opossums|__| 6. Beaver|__| 7. Birds|__| 8. Bats|__| 9. Skunks|__| 10. Woodchucks/groundhogs|__| 11. Muskrats|__| 12. Reptiles/amphibians|__| 13. Armadillos|__| 14. Moles/gophers|__| 15. Don’t know|__| 16. Other
IF (#66 = 0) GO TO #65IF (#66 @ 16) GO TO #67
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
67. ENTER OTHER TYPE OF ANIMAL CAUSING PROBLEMS.WHATANST 9:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
SKIP TO QUESTION 69===========================================================
68. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BARNOSPAC5
PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
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69. What kind of problems did the wildlife cause?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHTPRB 9:121-131(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Garbage|__| 2. Yards|__| 3. Gardens|__| 4. Agricultural damage|__| 5. Vehicle collision|__| 6. Pets|__| 7. Livestock|__| 8. Structural damage to home|__| 9. Threat to humans|__| 10. Don’t know|__| 11. Other
IF (#69 = 0) GO TO #68IF (#69 @ 11) GO TO #70
SKIP TO QUESTION 72===========================================================
70. ENTER OTHER TYPE OF PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WILDLIFE.WHTPRBST 10:1-120
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
SKIP TO QUESTION 72===========================================================
71. YOU HAVE SELECTED INCOMPATIBLE ANSWERSOR YOU DID NOT USE YOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC54PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 213
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 27
72. In the past 12 months, have you personally had a vehicle collisionwith a deer while riding or driving on #4’sroads or highways?(READ LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
HITDER 10:121-124(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Yes, while driving|__| 2. Yes, while riding|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
IF (#72 = 0) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 1 AND #72 @ 3) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 2 AND #72 @ 3) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 1 AND #72 @ 4) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 2 AND #72 @ 4) GO TO #71IF (#72 @ 3 AND #72 @ 4) GO TO #71
73. Now I’m going to read a list of fish and wildlifeprograms. Please rate how important each program should be to the#5on a scale of 0 to 10,with 0 being not at all important and 10 being extremely important.
PROGRAMSPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
74. RANDOMIZATION FOR PROGRAM PRIORITIESISSUERND 10:125-126
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Q1 (GO TO QUESTION 75)|__| 2. Q2 (GO TO QUESTION 76)|__| 3. Q3 (GO TO QUESTION 77)|__| 4. Q4 (GO TO QUESTION 78)|__| 5. Q5 (GO TO QUESTION 79)|__| 6. Q6 (GO TO QUESTION 80)|__| 7. Q7 (GO TO QUESTION 81)|__| 8. Q8 (GO TO QUESTION 82)|__| 9. Q9 (GO TO QUESTION 83)|__| 10. Q10 (GO TO QUESTION 84)|__| 11. Q11 (GO TO QUESTION 85)|__| 12. Q12 (GO TO QUESTION 86)|__| 13. Q13 (GO TO QUESTION 87)|__| 14. Q14 (GO TO QUESTION 88)
SKIP TO QUESTION 90===========================================================
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75. Please rate the importance of PROTECTING THREATENED ANDENDANGERED SPECIES as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
PROTTNE 10:127-128|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 9) GO TO #90
76. Please rate the importance of RESTORING NATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFESPECIES to the state as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.) (IF ASKED, NATIVE REFERS TO SPECIESTHAT WOULD BE NATURALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE AREA AS PART OFTHEIR HISTORIC RANGE.)
RESTORE 10:129-130|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 10) GO TO #90
77. Please rate the importance of CONSERVING FISH AND WILDLIFEHABITAT as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
PROTHAB 10:131-132|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 11) GO TO #90
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 215
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 29
78. Please rate the importance of ENFORCING FISH AND GAME LAWS as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
ENFLAWS 10:133-134|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 12) GO TO #90
79. Please rate the importance of MANAGING FISH POPULATIONS OVERALL as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
FISHPOP 10:135-136|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 13) GO TO #90
80. Please rate the importance of MANAGING WILDLIFE POPULATIONS as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
WILDPOP 10:137-138|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 14) GO TO #90
81. Please rate the importance of PROTECTING RESIDENTS AGAINST DISEASESfrom wild animals such as Lyme disease and rabies as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
RESHLTH 10:139-140|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 1) GO TO #90
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82. Please rate the importance of PROTECTING RESIDENTS FROM HARMfrom wildlife that may be dangerous as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
RESPROT 10:141-142|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 2) GO TO #90
83. Please rate the importance of PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEGENERAL PUBLIC TO VIEW WILDLIFE as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
VIEWOPP 10:143-144|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 3) GO TO #90
84. Please rate the importance OF PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FORRECREATIONAL (i.e., not commercial) FISHING as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
FISHOPP 10:145-146|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 4) GO TO #90
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 217
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 31
85. Please rate the importance OF PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FORLEGAL HUNTING as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
WILDOPP 10:147-148|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 5) GO TO #90
86. Please rate the importance of PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSON THE STATE’S FISH AND WILDLIFE as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
EDPROG 10:149-150|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 6) GO TO #90
87. Please rate the importance of PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FORBOATING SAFETY EDUCATION as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
BTSAFEP 10:151-152|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 7) GO TO #90
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88. Please rate the importance of PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FORHUNTING SAFETY EDUCATION as a#5 program.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
HNTSAFEP 10:153-154|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#74 = 8) GO TO #90
SKIP TO QUESTION 75===========================================================
89. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC6PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
90. Now I’d like to ask you some questions about funding forthe #5.
How do you think the#5is funded? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
HOWFND 10:155-168(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Taxes (nothing specific)|__| 2. Hunting licenses|__| 3. Fishing licenses|__| 4. Excise taxes on hunting equipment|__| 5. Excise taxes on fishing equipment|__| 6. Taxes on motorboat fuel|__| 7. General state taxes|__| 8. General federal taxes|__| 9. State income tax check-off/nongame donations|__| 10. Portion of dedicated state sales tax|__| 11. Fines|__| 12. State Wildlife Grants|__| 13. Don’t know|__| 14. Other (GO TO QUESTION 91)
IF (#90 = 0) GO TO #89
SKIP TO QUESTION 92===========================================================
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 219
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 33
91. ENTER OTHER SOURCE OF FUNDING.HOWFNDST 11:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
92. Overall, do you think the current fees for hunting licensesare too high, too low, or about the right pricein #4?
HUNTFEES 11:241(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 92)|__| 2. Too high|__| 3. About the right price|__| 4. Too low|__| 5. Don’t know
93. Overall, do you think the fees for fishing licenses aretoo high, too low, or about the right price in #4?
FISHFEES 11:242(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 93)|__| 2. Too high|__| 3. About the right price|__| 4. Too low|__| 5. Don’t know
94. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, suchas hunting and fishing licenses, to cover the costsof conserving and managing fish and wildlife?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
FEEMANAG 11:243(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 94)|__| 2. Strongly support|__| 3. Moderately support|__| 4. Neither support nor oppose|__| 5. Moderately oppose|__| 6. Strongly oppose|__| 7. Don’t know
220 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 34
95. Would you support or oppose increases in user fees, such ashunting and fishing licenses, if it meant more opportunities forthese activities? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
MOREOPP 11:244(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 95)|__| 2. Strongly support|__| 3. Moderately support|__| 4. Neither support nor oppose|__| 5. Moderately oppose|__| 6. Strongly oppose|__| 7. Don’t know
96. Do you agree or disagree that costs for managing fishand wildlife should be paid for primarily with specific userfees, such as hunting and fishing licenses?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
USERFEES 11:245(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 96)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
97. Now I’d like you to rate the performance of the#5 ineach of the following areas. For each area, pleaserate the agency’s performance on a scale of 0 to 10,with 0 being a poor job and 10 being an excellent job.
EFFCTIVPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 221
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 35
98. DETERMINE QUESTION ORDER BASED ON PREVIOUS RANDOMIZATION.MATCHING 11:246-247
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Q1 (GO TO QUESTION 99)|__| 2. Q2 (GO TO QUESTION 100)|__| 3. Q3 (GO TO QUESTION 101)|__| 4. Q4 (GO TO QUESTION 102)|__| 5. Q5 (GO TO QUESTION 103)|__| 6. Q6 (GO TO QUESTION 104)|__| 7. Q7 (GO TO QUESTION 105)|__| 8. Q8 (GO TO QUESTION 106)|__| 9. Q9 (GO TO QUESTION 107)|__| 10. Q10 (GO TO QUESTION 108)|__| 11. Q11 (GO TO QUESTION 109)|__| 12. Q12 (GO TO QUESTION 110)|__| 13. Q13 (GO TO QUESTION 111)|__| 14. Q14 (GO TO QUESTION 112)
COMPUTE #74
SKIP TO QUESTION 113===========================================================
99. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROTECTINGTHREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
TNEJOB 11:248-249|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 9) GO TO #113
100. Please rate the performance of the agency in RESTORING NATIVEFISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES to the state. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
NATIVJOB 12:1-2|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 10) GO TO #113
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2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 36
101. Please rate the performance of the agency in CONSERVING FISHAND WILDLIFE HABITAT. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
HABJOB 12:3-4|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 11) GO TO #113
102. Please rate the performance of the agency in ENFORCING FISH ANDGAME LAWS. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
LAWJOB 12:5-6|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 12) GO TO #113
103. Please rate the performance of the agency in MANAGING FISHPOPULATIONS OVERALL. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
FISHJOB 12:7-8|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 13) GO TO #113
104. Please rate the performance of the agency in MANAGING WILDLIFEPOPULATIONS. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
WILDJOB 12:9-10|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 14) GO TO #113
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 223
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 37
105. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROTECTING RESIDENTSAGAINST DISEASES from wild animals such as Lyme disease and rabies.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
CTZNJOB 12:11-12|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 1) GO TO #113
106. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROTECTING RESIDENTSFROM HARM from wildlife that may be dangerous.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
HARMJOB 12:13-14|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 2) GO TO #113
107. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDINGOPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO VIEW WILDLIFE.(On a scale of 0 to 10.)
VIEWJOB 12:15-16|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 3) GO TO #113
108. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDINGRECREATIONAL FISHING OPPORTUNITIES. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
FISHNJOB 12:17-18|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 4) GO TO #113
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109. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDING LEGALHUNTING OPPORTUNITIES. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
HUNTNJOB 12:19-20|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 5) GO TO #113
110. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDING EDUCATIONALPROGRAMS REGARDING FISH AND WILDLIFE. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
EDJOB 12:21-22|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 6) GO TO #113
111. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDINGOPPORTUNITIES FOR BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
BTJOB 12:23-24|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 7) GO TO #113
112. Please rate the performance of the agency in PROVIDINGOPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNTING SAFETY EDUCATION. (On a scale of 0 to 10.)
HNTJOB 12:25-26|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 0HIGHEST VALUE = 10
IF (#98 = 8) GO TO #113
SKIP TO QUESTION 99===========================================================
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113-155. RESERVED FOR STATE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS.STATESPC 12:27-28
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another.|__| 2. Alabama (GO TO QUESTION 114)|__| 3. Arkansas (GO TO QUESTION 117)|__| 4. Florida (GO TO QUESTION 121)|__| 5. Georgia (GO TO QUESTION 123)|__| 6. Kentucky (GO TO QUESTION 125)|__| 7. Louisiana (GO TO QUESTION 127)|__| 8. Maryland (GO TO QUESTION 129)|__| 9. Mississippi (GO TO QUESTION 132)|__| 10. Missouri (GO TO QUESTION 135)|__| 11. North Carolina (GO TO QUESTION 138)|__| 12. Oklahoma (GO TO QUESTION 141)|__| 13. South Carolina (GO TO QUESTION 143)|__| 14. Tennessee (GO TO QUESTION 145)|__| 15. Texas (GO TO QUESTION 156)|__| 16. Virginia (GO TO QUESTION 148)|__| 17. West Virginia (GO TO QUESTION 152)
COMPUTE #4
SKIP TO QUESTION 156===========================================================
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156. In general, where do you look for information on fish, wildlife,hunting, fishing, wildlife watching or other forms ofwildlife-related outdoor recreation?(PROBE where else do you look?) (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
GETINF 14:3-18(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Agency Web site|__| 2. Internet / WWW (Other than Agency Web site)|__| 3. Newspapers|__| 4. TV|__| 5. Radio|__| 6. Books|__| 7. Magazines|__| 8. Agency offices|__| 9. Agency publication|__| 10. Agency fish and game officer|__| 11. License agent/sporting goods store|__| 12. Friends/family/word-of-mouth|__| 13. At park, recreation, or other activity area|__| 14. Don’t look|__| 15. Don’t know|__| 16. Other (GO TO QUESTION 157)
IF (#156 = 0) GO TO #155
SKIP TO QUESTION 158===========================================================
157. ENTER OTHER SOURCE OF INFORMATION.GETINFST 15:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
158. Now I’m going to read a list of sources of information onfish and wildlife, and I’d like to know if you think thesource is very credible, somewhat credible, or not at allcredible as a source of information on fish and wildlife?
CREDIBLEPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
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159. RANDOMIZATION FOR CREDIBILITY OF SOURCESCREDRAND 15:241-242
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Q1 (GO TO QUESTION 160)|__| 2. Q2 (GO TO QUESTION 161)|__| 3. Q3 (GO TO QUESTION 162)|__| 4. Q4 (GO TO QUESTION 163)|__| 5. Q5 (GO TO QUESTION 164)|__| 6. Q6 (GO TO QUESTION 165)|__| 7. Q7 (GO TO QUESTION 166)|__| 8. Q8 (GO TO QUESTION 167)|__| 9. Q9 (GO TO QUESTION 168)|__| 10. Q10 (GO TO QUESTION 169)|__| 11. Q11 (GO TO QUESTION 170)
SKIP TO QUESTION 171===========================================================
160. Do you think the#5 isvery credible, somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish andwildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
FANDWSCI 15:243(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 160)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 2) GO TO #171
228 Responsive Management
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161. Do you think the State’s environmental agency isvery credible, somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish andwildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DEPSCI 15:244(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 161)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 3) GO TO #171
162. Do you think the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is verycredible, somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
FWSSCI 15:245(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 162)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 4) GO TO #171
163. Do you think a biologist with the#5 isvery credible, somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish andwildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
BIOLGIST 15:246(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 163)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 5) GO TO #171
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 229
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164. Do you think a professor of biology or natural resourcesat #6 is very credible,somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
EDUSCI 15:247(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 164)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 6) GO TO #171
165. Do you think the National Wildlife Federation is verycredible, somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
NWF 15:248(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 165)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 7) GO TO #171
166. Do you think The American Society for the Prevention ofCruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is very credible, somewhat credible,or not at all credible? (IMPORTANT: As a source of informationon fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
ASPCA 15:249(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 166)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 8) GO TO #171
230 Responsive Management
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167. Do you think a local environmental organization is very credible,somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
ENVORG 15:250(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 167)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 9) GO TO #171
168. Do you think a#5#7 is very credible,somewhat credible, or not at all credible? (IMPORTANT: As a sourceof information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
WARDEN 16:1(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 168)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 10) GO TO #171
169. Do you think a local sportsmen’s organization is very credible,somewhat credible, or not at all credible?(IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish and wildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
SPORTORG 16:2(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 169)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 11) GO TO #171
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170. Do you think People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) is very credible, somewhat credible, or not at allcredible? (IMPORTANT: As a source of information on fish andwildlife)(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
PETA 16:3(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 170)|__| 2. Very credible|__| 3. Somewhat credible|__| 4. Not at all credible|__| 5. Don’t know
IF (#159 = 1) GO TO #171
SKIP TO QUESTION 160===========================================================
171. Now I’d like to ask some questions about your opinionson fish and wildlife and natural resources. I’m going toread several statements, and I’d like to know if you agreeor disagree with each one.
WILDOPPRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE
172. RANDOMIZATION FOR WILDLIFE VALUES.WLDOPRND 16:4
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Q1 (GO TO QUESTION 173)|__| 2. Q2 (GO TO QUESTION 174)|__| 3. Q3 (GO TO QUESTION 175)|__| 4. Q4 (GO TO QUESTION 176)|__| 5. Q5 (GO TO QUESTION 177)|__| 6. Q6 (GO TO QUESTION 178)
SKIP TO QUESTION 179===========================================================
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173. Hunting and fishing are part of the scientific management offish and wildlife populations. Do you agree or disagreewith this statement? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
SCIMGMT 16:5(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 173)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 2) GO TO #179
174. The use and development of land should be restricted to protectfish and wildlife. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
LANDUSE 16:6(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 174)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 3) GO TO #179
175. Landowners should be allowed to develop their land regardless ofits impact on wildlife. Do you agree or disagree with thisstatement? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DEVLAND 16:7(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 175)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 4) GO TO #179
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 233
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176. I can make a significant difference in conserving fish andwildlife habitat. Do you agree or disagree with thisstatement? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
DFFRNC 16:8(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 176)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 5) GO TO #179
177. I feel that efforts to conserve wildlife habitat in #4are adequate. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
EFFORTS 16:9(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 177)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 6) GO TO #179
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178. If it came down to a choice between conserving wildlifehabitat or providing land for new homes, we should alwaysside with providing new homes for the residents of ourstate. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
NEWHOMES 16:10(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 178)|__| 2. Strongly agree|__| 3. Moderately agree|__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree|__| 5. Moderately disagree|__| 6. Strongly disagree|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#172 = 1) GO TO #179
SKIP TO QUESTION 173===========================================================
179. RANDOMIZATION FOR HUNTING/FISHING/TRAPPINGOPRAND 16:11
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Hunting (GO TO QUESTION 180)|__| 2. Fishing (GO TO QUESTION 181)|__| 3. Trapping (GO TO QUESTION 182)
SKIP TO QUESTION 183===========================================================
180. In general, do you approve or disapprove of LEGAL hunting?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
HUNTOP 16:12(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 180)|__| 2. Strongly approve|__| 3. Moderately approve|__| 4. Neither approve nor disapprove|__| 5. Moderately disapprove|__| 6. Strongly disapprove|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#179 = 2) GO TO #183
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181. In general, do you approve or disapprove of LEGAL RECREATIONALfishing? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
FISHOP 16:13(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 181)|__| 2. Strongly approve|__| 3. Moderately approve|__| 4. Neither approve nor disapprove|__| 5. Moderately disapprove|__| 6. Strongly disapprove|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#179 = 3) GO TO #183
182. In general, do you approve or disapprove of LEGAL REGULATED trapping?(READ SCALE AS NECESSARY; PROMPT FOR DEGREE)
TRAPOP 16:14(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 182)|__| 2. Strongly approve|__| 3. Moderately approve|__| 4. Neither approve nor disapprove|__| 5. Moderately disapprove|__| 6. Strongly disapprove|__| 7. Don’t know
IF (#179 = 1) GO TO #183
SKIP TO QUESTION 180===========================================================
183. Have you ever contacted the#5for information or assistance?
CONTACT 16:15(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 183)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No (GO TO QUESTION 191)|__| 4. Don’t know (GO TO QUESTION 191)
SKIP TO QUESTION 185===========================================================
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184. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC8PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
185. How did you contact the #5?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
CNTCT 16:16-20(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. In-person|__| 2. Mail|__| 3. Telephone|__| 4. E-mail or internet|__| 5. OTHER (SPECIFY) (GO TO QUESTION 186)
IF (#185 = 0) GO TO #184
SKIP TO QUESTION 188===========================================================
186. ENTER OTHER METHOD OF CONTACT.CNTCTST 17:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
SKIP TO QUESTION 188===========================================================
187. YOU DID NOT USEYOUR SPACE BAR
NOSPAC9PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 237
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188. What type of assistance or information were you seeking?(DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
WHTINF 18:1-14(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
|__| 1. Information about hunting: places to hunt, hunting season|__| 2. Information about fishing: places to fish, fishing season|__| 3. Information about boating|__| 4. Hunting license information, application|__| 5. Fishing license information, application|__| 6. Boat registration|__| 7. Information about viewing wildlife: locations, opportunities|__| 8. Information in general about the wildlife in the state|__| 9. Conserving fish and wildlife or fish and wildlife habitat|__| 10. Information about nuisance wildlife|__| 11. Nuisance wildlife removal|__| 12. Reporting a fish or wildlife violation|__| 13. Assistance with my land|__| 14. Other (SPECIFY) (GO TO QUESTION 189)
IF (#188 = 0) GO TO #187
SKIP TO QUESTION 190===========================================================
189. ENTER OTHER TYPE OF ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION.WHTINFST 19:1-240
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
190. Overall, would you say you were satisfied or dissatisfied withthe contact with the#5?
SATCNTCT 19:241(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 190)|__| 2. Very satisfied|__| 3. Somewhat satisfied|__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied|__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied|__| 6. Very dissatisfied|__| 7. Don’t know
238 Responsive Management
2004 SEAFWA Constituent Attitudes Survey Page 65
191. How likely are you to contact the#5for information or assistance in the future?
FUTURE 19:242(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 191)|__| 2. Very likely|__| 3. Somewhat likely|__| 4. Not at all likely|__| 5. Don’t know
192. Do you consider yourself an angler or fisherman?(IF ASKED: ANGLER REFERS TO FISHERMAN.)
DOFISH 19:243(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 192)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
193. In the past 5 years have you OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLDgone fishing in #4?
GOFISH 19:244(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 193)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
194. Do you consider yourself a hunter?DOHUNT 19:245
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 194)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
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195. In the past 5 years have you OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLDgone hunting in #4?
GOHUNT 19:246(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 195)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
196. In the past 12 months have you OR ANY MEMBER OF YOURHOUSEHOLD taken a trip or outing OF AT LEAST 1 MILE fromhome for the primary purpose of observing, feeding, orphotographing fish and/or wildlife in #4?. (This doesnot include in zoos, museums, aquariums, circuses, oramusement parks.)
GOVIEW 19:247(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 196)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
197. Have you ever attended an educational program that dealt withfish or wildlife, such as a class, wildlife demonstration, ortalk?
ATTENDED 19:248(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 197)|__| 2. Yes|__| 3. No|__| 4. Don’t know
198. Great! We are just about through. The final questions arefor background information and help us analyze the results.
DEMOPLEASE PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE...
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199. Do you consider your place of residence to be in a largecity or urban area, a suburban area, a small city/town,or a rural area?
RESIDE 19:249(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 199)|__| 2. Large city or urban area|__| 3. Suburban area|__| 4. Small city or town|__| 5. Rural area|__| 6. DNR: REFUSED
200. What is the total number of people living in your household,including yourself? (ENTER 88 FOR REFUSED)
NUMLIVE 20:1-2|__|__|
HIGHEST VALUE = 98
201. How many children, age 17 or younger, do you haveliving in your household? (ENTER 88 FOR REFUSED)
NUMKIDS 20:3-4|__|__|
HIGHEST VALUE = 98
202. Do you rent or own your current place of residence?RENTOWN 20:5
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 202)|__| 2. Rent|__| 3. Own|__| 4. Occupy without cash rent|__| 5. DNR: REFUSED
203. How many consecutive years have you lived in your community?(ENTER 888 FOR REFUSED)
YRSCOMM 20:6-8|__|__|__|
HIGHEST VALUE = 888
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204. How many consecutive years have you lived in #4?(ENTER 888 FOR REFUSED)
YRSSTATE 20:9-11|__|__|__|
HIGHEST VALUE = 888
205. Do you access the Internet daily, sometimes,rarely, or never? (READ SCALE AS NECESSARY)
WWWACC 20:12(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 205)|__| 2. Daily|__| 3. Sometimes|__| 4. Rarely|__| 5. Never|__| 6. Don’t know
206. What is your marital status?STATUS 20:13
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 206)|__| 2. Married|__| 3. Single|__| 4. Widowed|__| 5. DNR: REFUSED
207. What is the highest grade level you have completed in school?(READ LIST AS NECESSARY)
LEVED 20:14(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. (DNR: Invalid answer. Select another.) (GO TO QUESTION 207)|__| 2. Not a High School graduate|__| 3. High school graduate or equivalent|__| 4. Some college or trade school, no degree|__| 5. Associate degree or trade school degree|__| 6. Bachelor’s degree|__| 7. Master’s degree|__| 8. Professional (e.g., M.D.) or doctorate degree|__| 9. (DNR: REFUSED)
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208. Which of these categories best describes your totalHOUSEHOLD income before taxes last year?(READ SCALE)
INCOME 20:15(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. (DNR: Invalid answer. Select another.) (GO TO QUESTION 208)|__| 2. Less than $20,000|__| 3. $20,000 to $39,999|__| 4. $40,000 to $59,999|__| 5. $60,000 to $79,999|__| 6. $80,000 to $99,999|__| 7. $100,000 or more|__| 8. (DNR: DON’T KNOW)|__| 9. (DNR: REFUSED)
209. And finally, may I ask your age?(ENTER ? FOR DON’T KNOW; ENTER 888 FOR REFUSED)
AGE 20:16-18|__|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1
210. That’s the end of the questionnaire, thank you very much for yourtime and cooperation!(ENTER ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS; IN FIRST PERSON; 240 CHARACTERS)
END 21:1-240___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
211. OBSERVE AND RECORD RESPONDENT’S GENDERGENDER 21:241
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 211)|__| 2. Male|__| 3. Female|__| 4. Don’t know
212. TIME INTERVIEW WAS COMPLETEDENDTIME 21:242-246
|__|__|__|__|__|
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 243
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213. Please enter your initials in LOWERCASE ONLY!INTVRINT 21:247-249
|__|__|__|
214. Enter the area code and telephone number of number dialed.TELEPHON 22:1-10
|__|__|__|-|__|__|__|-|__|__|__|__|
LOWEST VALUE = 1
215. SAVE OR ERASE INTERVIEW.DO NOT ERASE A COMPLETED INTERVIEW!
FINISH 22:11(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. Save answers (GO TO QUESTION 217)|__| 2. Erase answers|__| 3. Review answers (GO TO QUESTION 8)
216. ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO ERASE THIS INTERVIEW?ONLY ERASE IF: CB, AM, NA, BZ
MAKESURE 22:12(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
|__| 1. No, do not erase the answers (GO TO QUESTION 215)|__| 2. Yes, erase this interview
217. Date call was madeINTVDAT 22:13-20
|__|__|__|__|-|__|__|-|__|__|Year Month Day
SAVE IF (#215 = 1)
244 Responsive Management
ABOUT RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT Responsive Management is a nationally recognized public opinion and attitude survey research
firm specializing in natural resource and outdoor recreation issues. Its mission is to help natural
resource and outdoor recreation agencies and organizations better understand and work with their
constituents, customers, and the public.
Utilizing its in-house, full-service, computer-assisted telephone and mail survey center with 65
professional interviewers, Responsive Management has conducted more than 1,000 telephone
surveys, mail surveys, personal interviews, and focus groups, as well as numerous marketing and
communications plans, need assessments, and program evaluations on natural resource and
outdoor recreation issues.
Clients include most of the federal and state natural resource, outdoor recreation, and
environmental agencies, and most of the top conservation organizations. Responsive
Management also collects attitude and opinion data for many of the nation’s top universities,
including the University of Southern California, Virginia Tech, Colorado State University,
Auburn, Texas Tech, the University of California—Davis, Michigan State University, the
University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Penn State, West Virginia University, and
others.
Among the wide range of work Responsive Management has completed during the past 15 years
are studies on how the general population values natural resources and outdoor recreation, and
their opinions on and attitudes toward an array of natural resource-related issues. Responsive
Management has conducted dozens of studies of selected groups of outdoor recreationists,
including anglers, boaters, hunters, wildlife watchers, birdwatchers, park visitors, historic site
visitors, hikers, and campers, as well as selected groups within the general population, such as
landowners, farmers, urban and rural residents, women, senior citizens, children, Hispanics,
Asians, and African-Americans. Responsive Management has conducted studies on
environmental education, endangered species, waterfowl, wetlands, water quality, and the
reintroduction of numerous species such as wolves, grizzly bears, the California condor, and the
Florida panther.
Public Opinion on Fish and Wildlife Management in North Carolina 245
Responsive Management has conducted research on numerous natural resource ballot initiatives
and referenda and helped agencies and organizations find alternative funding and increase their
memberships and donations. Responsive Management has conducted major agency and
organizational program needs assessments and helped develop more effective programs based
upon a solid foundation of fact. Responsive Management has developed Web sites for natural
resource organizations, conducted training workshops on the human dimensions of natural
resources, and presented numerous studies each year in presentations and as keynote speakers at
major natural resource, outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental conferences and
meetings.
Responsive Management has conducted research on public attitudes toward natural resources
and outdoor recreation in almost every state in the United States, as well as in Canada, Australia,
the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. Responsive Management routinely conducts
surveys in Spanish and has also conducted surveys and focus groups in Chinese, Korean,
Japanese, and Vietnamese.
Responsive Management’s research has been featured in most of the nation’s major media,
including CNN’s Crossfire, ESPN, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The New York
Times, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and on the front page of USA Today.