Declining populations of greater sage‐grouse: hunter motivations when numbers are low

摘要: As a hunted species becomes increasingly rare, the effort required to locate and harvest an individual tends increase. rarity increases, governmental oversight, including changes in hunting regulations protection of habitats individuals using mechanisms such as US Endangered Species Act (ESA), can be used mitigate extinction risks. However, recent research has demonstrated existence feedback mechanism through which increased may increase hunter demand for opportunities pursue rare before opportunity is lost. This phenomenon, referred anthropogenic Allee effect, exacerbate exploitation, thereby resulting disproportionally large effects on vulnerable species. In 2010, Fish Wildlife Service designated greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) candidate listing under ESA. Although are ESA listing, they still throughout much their current range. 2008, permits Utah exceeded availability, raising questions about why hunters choose this We hypothesized that pending decision permits. surveyed randomly selected who obtained hunt 2008–2010 (n = 838) determine motivations determinants satisfaction. The most commonly reported reasons were spend time with family, tradition meat. potential was not major motivational factor 2009 or percentage respondents selecting option did by 7%. Hunter awareness petition also 18% during period. Our results provide new insights sociological importance threats