Effects of harvest regulations on stakeholder perceptions of white-tailed deer management in Kentucky

Deer hunting is a highly valued tradition throughout the central hardwood region. Concerns persist over declining license sales, complicated by the fact that controlled harvest remains a critical component of deer management in the region. Anecdotal evidence suggests that avid Kentucky hunters are dissatisfied with size of Kentucky deer and are hunting out-of-state as a result. The objective of this study is to characterize the extent of this behavior and to identify other hunter concerns. A qualitative research approach was selected using a series of facilitated focus groups and follow-up personal interviews. Analysis of transcripts revealed emerging themes or categories of hunter concern that emphasized aspects of stewardship, trust, and regulatory dissatisfaction. Findings of this study highlight perceptions about management policies concerning knowledge, influence, and funding that exist among a group of avid Kentucky hunters.