AN ASSESSMENT OF NEW JERSEY DEER HUNTER OPINION ON EXPANDING ANTLER POINT RESTRICTION (APR) REGULATIONS IN DEER MANAGEMENT ZONES 28, 30, 31, 34 AND 47

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1 AN ASSESSMENT OF NEW JERSEY DEER HUNTER OPINION ON EXPANDING ANTLER POINT RESTRICTION (APR) REGULATIONS IN DEER MANAGEMENT ZONES 28, 30, 31, 34 AND 47 Survey mailed: April 2010 Data analyzed: June 2010 Report issued: August 2010 Division of Fish and Wildlife David Chanda, Director Larry Herrighty, Assistant Director Bureau of Wildlife Management Patrick C. Carr, Supervising Wildlife Biologist by Deer Research Project Carole Kandoth, Principal Wildlife Biologist Joe Leskie, Senior Wildlife Biologist Dan Roberts, Senior Wildlife Biologist Jodi Powers, Senior Wildlife Biologist Andrew Riviello, Seasonal Wildlife Technician

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The use of Antler Point Restrictions (APR) in deer management has become a popular management strategy for state agencies and hunters throughout the United States. APR is a component of Quality Deer Management (QDM), which establishes appropriate harvest restrictions for bucks, usually protecting younger age class bucks by setting the minimum number of antler points for a legal antlered deer. QDM is a management philosophy or practice that unites landowners, hunters and managers in a common goal of producing biologically and socially balanced deer herds within existing environmental, social and legal constraints. The use of APR in New Jersey is primarily a social hunting issue, where hunters prefer to protect the majority of young antlered bucks from the harvest each year in the hopes that additional larger-antlered bucks will be available for harvest in following years. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) believes that APR has no biological or management consequences in most of the State, but would not support its implementation where the habitat does not provide for healthy annual antler growth or where human population densities make a lowered buck harvest undesirable. DFW and the Fish and Game Council (Council) implemented an experimental Antler Point Restriction program in 2000 for Deer Management Zones (DMZ) 3, 6, 9, 13, 27, 29, 35 and 63. Hunters in these DMZs are required to harvest only those antlered bucks having at least one antler with 3 or more points on one side. Based on hunter dissatisfaction with APR in DMZ 6, the Council deleted this DMZ from the APR program in Recent data analysis of existing southern zones with APR regulations (DMZs 27, 29, 35 and 63) showed the combined average harvest before APR was 1,876 bucks per year. After the institution of APR, the combined average harvest was 1,289 bucks per year. This 31% decline in the antlered harvest due to APR regulations was not unexpected by DFW biologists. APR is an impediment to the harvest of an antlered deer. Because APR makes a substantial number of yearling bucks illegal, a large percentage of that age class elude harvest resulting in a decline in that segment of the antlered harvest. The 2.5 yr old and 3.5+ yr old segments show an increase as a percentage of total antlered harvest. It should be noted that the percentage of older age class bucks harvested increases purely as a response to the decline in the yearling segment of the harvest, even if the actual number of older age class bucks harvested does not increase. Recently, the Council received a request to add five southern New Jersey DMZs, 28, 30, 31, 34 and 47, to the APR program. Because Council sets seasons, bag limits and manner of take based on scientific evidence presented to it by DFW, DFW biologists conducted a scientific survey to determine the opinion of hunters who hunt deer within the five proposed DMZs. Prior to the mailing of the survey package, three public seminars were held to provide actual data to allow hunters to form an opinion, and to answer any questions from hunters. Postcards about the scheduled seminars were sent out to all hunters who purchased a deer permit from at least one of the proposed DMZs. DFW biologists presented harvest data from APR DMZs already existing in southern NJ and harvest data and projections for the five proposed DMZs. Over 3,200 postcards were sent out; attendance at all three seminars totaled only about 120 people. The survey was conducted in April 2010 to determine the opinion of deer hunters on the inclusion of the proposed DMZs into APR regulations. The survey was mailed to 3,231 hunters who purchased a deer Page 2 of 57

3 hunting permit from at least one of the five proposed APR DMZs during the season. Hunters returned 1,351 completed surveys and 128 surveys came back as undeliverable. The survey return rate was (44%) indicating a strong interest in this subject. DFW biologists have determined the following conclusions from the survey: The majority (66%) of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. The majority (78%) of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. The majority (91%) of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. The majority of respondents (73%) were 40 years or older, An overwhelming majority of the respondents (97%) were male. The majority of respondents (81%) were affiliated with some sort of hunting organization (QDMA, NJSFSC, UBNJ, deer hunting club or other hunting organization) The majority of respondents (64%) hunted private land and the majority of those properties were less than 100 acres (64%). The majority of respondents (83%) hunted deer from an elevated stand. The majority of respondents (80%) hunted deer over bait. 33% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drives deer during the deer season. The majority of respondents (61%) harvested NO antlered bucks. A slight majority of respondents (54%) harvested NO antlerless deer. Less than half of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, both in total and by DMZ. Only about one-quarter of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting; respondents from DMZ 28 (36%) were more satisfied than respondents from the other DMZs. More than 2/3 of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations, both in total and by DMZ. The majority of respondents (60%) would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. The majority of respondents (69%) would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. The majority of respondents (84%) chose to harvest fewer bucks if those bucks were older, had more mass and more antler points as opposed to harvesting more bucks that were younger, with fewer points and less mass. A slight majority of respondents (56%) would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in DMZs with high quality browse and food availability. Page 3 of 57

4 In all DMZs, the majority of respondents who harvested NO bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, about 1/3 of respondents who harvested 1 buck in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, about 10% of respondents who harvested 2 bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, less than 5% of respondents who harvested 3 or more bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. Concerning the current buck bag limit in New Jersey per hunting year, respondents were evenly split between keeping the buck bag limit where it is now at six antlered deer (51%) and changing it to less than six antlered deer (49%). This even split occurred in the overall survey and by DMZ. When respondents chose to harvest less bucks than what currently is allowed, the majority of those respondents chose to harvest 2 bucks or less. The percentages varied by DMZ. When asked about the difficulty in identifying legal bucks while driving deer with the APR restrictions, the majority of respondents (69%) agreed that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. Less than half of respondents (44%) stated that they would give up driving deer because it may be harder to identify legal antler points if APR regulations were enacted. DMZ 28: 73% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for DMZ 28 DMZ 30: 71% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for DMZ 30 DMZ 31: 69% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for DMZ 31 DMZ 34: 65% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for DMZ 34 DMZ 47: 69% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for DMZ 47 DMZ 28: 71% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations. DMZ 30: 72% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations. DMZ 31: 70% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations. DMZ 34: 62% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations. DMZ 47: 70% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations. The results of the 2010 Antler Point Restriction Survey were compared to similar results from a 2006 New Jersey Deer Hunter Satisfaction survey conducted for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife by Responsive Management. Deer hunters were asked to share their opinions about Quality Deer Management efforts. In the 2006 survey, deer hunters were willing to accept the proposed restrictions. Seventy-six percent of respondents were willing to give up the chance to shoot small-antlered bucks and shoot more does in exchange for an increased chance to shoot large-antlered bucks in later years. In the 2010 survey, sixty-nine percent of deer hunters in all the proposed APR zones were willing to give up the chance to shoot small-antlered bucks and shoot more does in exchange for an increased chance to shoot large-antlered bucks in later years to increase the overall quality of the herd. Also, hunters who hunted deer over bait have increased greatly from the 2006 survey (41%), compared to the 2010 survey in which (80%) of respondents hunted deer over bait. Page 4 of 57

5 Introduction and Methodology A mail survey was sent to 3,231 deer hunting permit holders from five southern New Jersey Deer Management Zones (DMZ) proposed for inclusion in Antler Point Restrictions (APR). Questions were constructed to solicit opinions from hunters about adding DMZs 28, 30, 31, 34 and 47. Permit purchasers were identified through the Electronic Licensing System (ELS), which has collected data on license and permit holders since its implementation in Due to time constraints imposed by the Fish and Game Council s timeline to vote on amendments for the 2011 Game Code by August 2010, survey participants were drawn from the ELS database of all deer permits sold in the proposed DMZs from the hunting season. The survey package, mailed out in April 2010, consisted of an introductory letter from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife s Deer Research Project, a twenty-one question survey, and an addressed, stamped return envelope. Instructions were to return the survey no later than May 12, Survey acceptance was cut off on May 17, All data was processed and entered by May 28, Hunters returned 1,351 completed surveys and 128 surveys came back as undeliverable. The survey return rate was (44%) indicating a strong interest in this subject. DFW biologists mailed survey packages to 100% of the permit buyers due to small permit sale numbers in some of the targeted DMZs. Statistically, sampling these DMZs with a small number of permit buyers would have resulted in a confidence interval of less than 95% with a sampling error greater than 5%. DFW biologists also determined that permit buyers purchased permits for more than one of the five targeted DMZs, as allowed in the deer hunting regulations. Permit buyers returned 1,351 surveys. The total number of responses by DMZ totals 1,647 because respondents answered survey questions for more than one of the targeted DMZs. Because of this multiple DMZ permit buying, there were 500 respondents for DMZ 28; 259 for DMZ 30; 230 for DMZ 31; 453 for DMZ 34 and 205 respondents for DMZ 47. Also note that some results may not sum exactly to 100% due to rounding or multiple answers by respondents. DFW biologists have determined the following conclusions from the survey: PARTICIPATION IN DEER HUNTING The majority (66%) of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, the majority (78%) of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. The majority (91%) of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. DMZ 28: 72% respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, 80% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. 91% of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. DMZ 30: 67% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, 81% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. 91% of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. DMZ 31: 74% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, 81% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. 92% of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. Page 5 of 57

6 DMZ 34: 66% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, 75% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. 91% of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. DMZ 47: 63% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the bow seasons. Also, 80% of respondents had hunted during at least one of the gun seasons. 90% of respondents had hunted during the 6-day firearm season. LEVEL OF DEER HUNTING AND BUCK HUNTING SATISFACTION BY ZONE DMZ 28: 49% of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, with 26% being dissatisfied with deer hunting. Also, 36% of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting, with 40% being dissatisfied with buck hunting. DMZ 30: 41% of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, with 31% being dissatisfied with deer hunting. Also, 28% of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting, with 43% being dissatisfied with buck hunting. DMZ 31: 36% of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, with 36% being dissatisfied with deer hunting. Also, 26% of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting, with 45% being dissatisfied with buck hunting. DMZ 34: 34% of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, with 44% being dissatisfied with deer hunting. Also, 24% of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting, with 53% being dissatisfied with buck hunting. DMZ 47: 40% of respondents were satisfied with deer hunting, with 33% being dissatisfied with deer hunting. Also, 24% of respondents were satisfied with buck hunting, with 46% being dissatisfied with buck hunting. HARVEST OF BOTH ANTLERLESS AND ANTLERED DEER The majority of respondents (61%) harvested NO antlered bucks. A slight majority of respondents (54%) harvested NO antlerless deer. DMZ 28: The majority of respondents (73%) harvested 1 antlerless deer or less; the majority of respondents (84%) harvested 1 antlered buck or less. DMZ 30: The majority of respondents (76%) harvested 1 antlerless deer or less; the majority of Zone 30 respondents (89%) harvested 1 antlered buck or less. DMZ 31: The majority of respondents (67%) harvested 1 antlerless deer or less; the majority of respondents (89%) harvested 1 antlered buck or less. Page 6 of 57

7 DMZ 34: The majority of respondents (89%) harvested 1 antlerless deer or less; the majority of respondents (89%) harvested 1 antlered buck or less. DMZ 47: The majority of respondents (80%) harvested 1 antlerless deer or less; the majority of respondents (88%) harvested 1 antlered buck or less. HUNTERS WILLING TO HARVEST MORE ANTLERLESS DEER AND INCREASE ANTLELRESS HARVESTS The majority of respondents (60%) would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. DMZ 28: 61% of respondents would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. DMZ 30: 55% of respondents would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. DMZ 31: 53% of respondents would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. DMZ 34: 61% of respondents would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. DMZ 47: 67% of respondents would be willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest. HUNTERS WILLING TO GIVE UP A CHANCE TO SHOOT SMALL ANTLERED BUCKS AND SHOOT MORE DOES IN EXCHANGE FOR AN INCREASED CHANCE TO SHOOT LARGE- ANTLERED DEER The majority of respondents (69%) would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. DMZ 28: 69% of respondents would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. DMZ 30: 71% of respondents would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. DMZ 31: 69% of respondents would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. DMZ 34: 66% of respondents would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. DMZ 47: 74% of respondents would give up the chance of shooting small-antlered deer and shoot more does in exchange for the increased chance of shooting a large-antlered buck in later years. Page 7 of 57

8 ZONES WITH HIGH QUALITY DEER BROWSE AND FOOD AVAILABILITY, WOULD A 4 POINT ANTLER POINT RESTRICTION BE ACCEPTABLE A slight majority of respondents (56%) would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. DMZ 28: 57% of respondents would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. DMZ 30: 54% of respondents would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. DMZ 31: 53% of respondents would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. DMZ 34: 57% of respondents would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. DMZ 47: 60% of respondents would be willing to accept a 4-point Antler Point Restriction in zones with high quality browse and food availability. IN FAVOR OF APR REGULATIONS BY ZONE DMZ 28: 73% of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations. DMZ 30: 73% of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations. DMZ 31: 72% of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations. DMZ 34: 69% of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations. DMZ 47: 69% of respondents were in favor of APR Regulations. NEW JERSEY DEER HARVEST COMPRISED The majority of respondents (84%) chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points as opposed to harvesting more bucks that are younger, with fewer points and less mass. DMZ 28: 85% of respondents chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points. DMZ 30: 84% of respondents chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points. DMZ 31: 85% of respondents chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points. Page 8 of 57

9 DMZ 34: 81% of respondents chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points. DMZ 47: 82% of respondents chose to harvest fewer bucks that are older, have more mass and more antler points. HUNTERS WHO FELT IT WAS ACCEPTABLE FOR LESS OLDER AGE CLASS BUCKS TO BE HARVESTED COMPARED TO THE NUMBER OF BUCKS THEY ACTUALLY HARVESTED IN In all DMZs, the majority of respondents who harvested NO bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, about 1/3 of respondents who harvested 1 buck in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, about 10% of respondents who harvested 2 bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. In all DMZs, less than 5% of respondents who harvested 3 or more bucks in 2008 felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested. The percentages varied by DMZ. DMZ 28: -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (NO) bucks in 2008 was 52%. Of that 52%, 88% were in favor of APR. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (1) buck in 2008 was 32%. Of that 32%, 92% were in favor of APR. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (2) bucks in 2008 was 13%. Of that 13%, 91% were in favor of APR. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (3+) bucks in 2008 was 3%. Of that 3%, 100% were in favor of APR. DMZ 30: -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (NO) bucks in 2008 was 62%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (1) buck in 2008 was 27%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (2) bucks in 2008 was 10%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (3+) bucks in 2008 was 2%. DMZ 31: -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (NO) bucks in 2008 was 50%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (1) buck in 2008 was 39%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (2) bucks in 2008 was 9%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (3+) bucks in 2008 was 3%. Page 9 of 57

10 DMZ 34: -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (NO) bucks in 2008 was 61%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (1) buck in 2008 was 29%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (2) bucks in 2008 was 9%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (3+) bucks in 2008 was 1%. DMZ 47: -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (NO) bucks in 2008 was 67%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (1) buck in 2008 was 23%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (2) bucks in 2008 was 7%. -The percentage of hunters that felt that it's acceptable for less "older" age class bucks to be harvested and who harvested (3+) bucks in 2008 was 3%. NEW JERSEY TOTAL BUCK BAG LIMIT In regards to the current buck bag limit in New Jersey per hunting season, the response was relatively even for keeping the buck bag limit where it is now at six antlered deer and changing it to less than six antlered deer per hunting year. When respondents chose to harvest less bucks than what currently is allowed, however, the majority of those respondents chose to harvest 2 bucks or less. The following is a breakdown of the respondents who chose to harvest 2 bucks or less per hunting season: DMZ 28: 66% of respondents would choose to harvest 2 bucks or less during a hunting season. DMZ 30: 70% of respondents would choose to harvest 2 bucks or less during a hunting season. DMZ 31: 63% of respondents would choose to harvest 2 bucks or less during a hunting season. DMZ 34: 72% of respondents would choose to harvest 2 bucks or less during a hunting season. DMZ 47: 68% of respondents would choose to harvest 2 bucks or less during a hunting season. LAND TYPE HUNTED AND PROPERTY SIZE The majority of respondents hunted private land (64%) and the majority of those properties were less than 100 acres (64%). DMZ 28: 77% of respondents hunted private property with 65% of the properties being under 100 acres. DMZ 30: 64% of respondents hunted private property with 60% of the properties being under 100 acres. Page 10 of 57

11 DMZ 31: 56% of respondents hunted private property with 65% of the properties being less than 100 acres. DMZ 34: 47% of respondents hunted private property with 62% of the properties being less than 100 acres. DMZ 47: 69% of respondents hunted private property with 72% of the properties being less than 100 acres. PRIMARY METHOD OF DEER HUNTING The majority of all respondents (83%) hunted deer from an elevated stand. DMZ 28: 90% of respondents hunted from an elevated stand. DMZ 30: 83% of respondents hunted from an elevated stand. DMZ 31: 87% of respondents hunted from an elevated stand. DMZ 34: 77% of respondents hunted from an elevated stand. DMZ 47: 83% of respondents hunted from an elevated stand. MEMBER OF A DEER HUNTING CLUB THAT ACTIVELY DRIVE DEER 33% of all respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drives deer during the deer season. DMZ 28: 30% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drive deer during the deer season. DMZ 30: 31% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drive deer during the deer season. DMZ 31: 38% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drive deer during the deer season. DMZ 34: 35% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drive deer during the deer season. DMZ 28: 42% of respondents stated that they were a member of a hunting club that actively drive deer during the deer season. DEER DRIVE DIFFICULTY IN IDENTIFYING LEGAL BUCKS WITH THE APR RESTRICTIONS When asked about the difficulty in identifying legal bucks while driving deer within APR restriction zones, the majority of respondents (69%) agreed to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. Page 11 of 57

12 DMZ 28: 71% of respondents agreed, to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. DMZ 30: 66% of respondents agreed, to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. DMZ 31: 67% of respondents agreed, to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. DMZ 34: 66% of respondents agreed, to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. DMZ 47: 67% of respondents agreed, to some extent, that it would be difficult to identify legal bucks while driving deer. HUNTING DEER OVER BAIT The majority of respondents (80%) hunted deer over bait. DMZ 28: 75% of respondents hunted deer over bait. DMZ 30: 75% of respondents hunted deer over bait. DMZ 31: 80% of respondents hunted deer over bait. DMZ 34: 86% of respondents hunted deer over bait. DMZ 47: 87% of respondents hunted deer over bait. AFFILIATION The majority of respondents (81%) were affiliated with some sort of hunting organization (QDMA, NJSFSC, UBNJ, deer hunting club or other hunting organization) DMZ 28: 77% of respondents had some sort of affiliation with a hunting organization, with 39% affiliated specifically with a deer hunting club. DMZ 30: 65% of respondents had some sort of affiliation with a hunting organization, with 39% affiliated specifically with a deer hunting club. DMZ 31: 80% of respondents had some sort of affiliation with a hunting organization, with 44% affiliated specifically with a deer hunting club. DMZ 34: 74% of respondents had some sort of affiliation with a hunting organization, with 47% affiliated specifically with a deer hunting club. DMZ 47: 99% of respondents had some sort of affiliation with a hunting organization, with 52% affiliated specifically with a deer hunting club. Page 12 of 57

13 AGE AND GENDER The majority of respondents (73%) were 40 years or older with an overwhelming majority of the respondents (97%) being male. DMZ 28: 70% were 40 years or older and 97% were male. DMZ 30: 71%, were 40 years or older and 95% were male. DMZ 31: 71%, were 40 years or older and 99% were male. DMZ 34: 72% were 40 years or older and 96% were male. DMZ 47: 74% were 40 years or older and 98% were male. DEER CLUB MEMBER RESPONDENTS IN FAVOR OF APR REGULATIONS PER ZONE. DMZ 28: 73% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 28 DMZ 30: 71% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 30 DMZ 31: 69% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 31 DMZ 34: 65% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 34 DMZ 47: 69% of Deer Club member respondents are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 47 RESPONDENTS THAT BELONG TO A DEER HUNTING CLUB, THAT DRIVE DEER AND THEIR APR PREFERENCE PER ZONE. DMZ 28: 71% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 28. DMZ 30: 72% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 30. DMZ 31: 70% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 31. DMZ 34: 62% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 34. DMZ 47: 70% of Deer Club member respondents who DRIVE deer are IN favor of APR regulations for Zone 47. Page 13 of 57

14 Q1. What deer season(s) do you hunt? Fall Bow Permit Bow Winter Bow All Respondents (n = 1351) Sampling size +/- 3% 58% 68% 73% 6-Day Firearm 91% Permit Muzzleloader 81% Permit Shotgun 62% Fall Bow Permit Bow Winter Bow ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 500) Sampling size +/- 4% 62% 79% 75% 6-Day Firearm 91% Permit Muzzleloader Permit Shotgun 71% 78% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 259) Sampling error +/- 6% Fall Bow Permit Bow 69% 74% Winter Bow 58% 6-Day Firearm Permit Muzzleloader 85% 91% Permit Shotgun 66% Page 14 of 57

15 Q1. What deer season(s) do you hunt? (continued) Fall Bow Permit Bow Winter Bow 6-Day Firearm Permit Muzzleloader Permit Shotgun ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 230) 66% 67% 75% 82% 84% 92% Fall Bow Permit Bow Winter Bow 6-Day Firearm Permit Muzzleloader Permit Shotgun ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 453) Sampling error +/- 5% 48% 60% 66% 72% 86% 91% Fall Bow Permit Bow Winter Bow 6-Day Firearm Permit Muzzleloader Permit Shotgun ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 205) 55% 65% 71% 70% 81% 90% Page 15 of 57

16 Q2. What is your level of deer hunting and buck harvest satisfaction in the deer zone(s) you hunt? (Please rate your level of satisfaction below, using the following rating scale: 1 = Very Satisfied 2 = Somewhat satisfied 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 4 = Somewhat dissatisfied 5 = Very dissatisfied 6 = opinion ALL RESPONDENTS (n= 500) Sampling error +/-4% DMZ: 28 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied/dis. Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied opinion Answer 2% 4% 5% 2% 15% 18% 21% 17% 20% 21% 16% 19% 10% 31% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total Buck hunting satisfaction Total Deer hunting satisfaction Page 16 of 57

17 Q2. What is your level of deer hunting and buck harvest satisfaction in the deer zone(s) you hunt? (Please rate your level of satisfaction below, using the following rating scale: 1 = Very Satisfied 2 = Somewhat satisfied 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 4 = Somewhat dissatisfied 5 = Very dissatisfied 6 = opinion ALL RESPONDENTS (n= 259) Sampling error +/- 6% DMZ: 30 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied/dis. Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied opinion Answer 1% 1% 3% 8% 10% 20% 19% 23% 20% 17% 23% 14% 9% 31% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total Buck hunting satisfaction Total Deer hunting satisfaction Page 17 of 57

18 Q2. What is your level of deer hunting and buck harvest satisfaction in the deer zone(s) you hunt? (Please rate your level of satisfaction below, using the following rating scale: 1 = Very Satisfied 2 = Somewhat satisfied 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 4 = Somewhat dissatisfied 5 = Very dissatisfied 6 = opinion ALL RESPONDENTS (n= 230) Sampling error +/- 6% DMZ: 31 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied/dis. Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied opinion Answer 2% 2% 5% 2% 11% 10% 15% 26% 22% 25% 20% 22% 25% 14% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total Buck hunting satisfaction Total Deer hunting satisfaction Page 18 of 57

19 Q2. What is your level of deer hunting and buck harvest satisfaction in the deer zone(s) you hunt? (Please rate your level of satisfaction below, using the following rating scale: 1 = Very Satisfied 2 = Somewhat satisfied 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 4 = Somewhat dissatisfied 5 = Very dissatisfied 6 = opinion ALL RESPONDENTS (n= 453) Sampling error +/- 5% DMZ: 34 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied/dis. Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied opinion Answer 10% 9% 14% 25% 17% 20% 21% 27% 32% 17% 1% 1% 6% 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total Buck hunting satisfaction Total Deer hunting satisfaction Page 19 of 57

20 Q2. What is your level of deer hunting and buck harvest satisfaction in the deer zone(s) you hunt? (Please rate your level of satisfaction below, using the following rating scale: 1 = Very Satisfied 2 = Somewhat satisfied 3 = Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 4 = Somewhat dissatisfied 5 = Very dissatisfied 6 = opinion ALL RESPONDENTS (n= 205) DMZ: 47 Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied/dis. Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied opinion Answer 5% 12% 10% 3% 4% 8% 3% 19% 28% 19% 20% 20% 23% 26% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total Buck hunting satisfaction Total Deer hunting satisfaction Page 20 of 57

21 Q3. Did you harvest antlerless deer and if so, how many did you harvest this past season ( )? All Respondents (n = 1344) Sampling error +/- 3% ne 54% One 26% Two Three or more 9% 11% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 498) Sampling error +/- 4% ne 45% One 28% Two Three or more 13% 14% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Zone 30: Respondents (n = 257) Sampling error +/- 6% ne 53% One 23% Two 16% Three or more 8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Page 21 of 57

22 Q3. Did you harvest antlerless deer and if so, how many did you harvest this past season ( )? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 228) ne 44% One 23% Two Three or more 14% 18% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 451) Sampling error +/- 5% ne 61% One 28% Two 8% Three or more 3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 203) ne 57% One 23% Two Three or more 10% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Page 22 of 57

23 Q4. Did you harvest antlered bucks and if so, how many did you harvest this past season ( )? All Respondents (n = 1346) Sampling error +/- 3% ne 61% One 27% Two 10% Three or more 2% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 259) Sampling error +/- 6% ne 64% One 25% Two 9% Three or more 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 259) Sampling error +/- 6% ne 64% One 25% Two 9% Three or more 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Page 23 of 57

24 Q4. Did you harvest antlered bucks and if so, how many did you harvest this past season ( )? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 230) ne 56% One 33% Two 9% Three or more 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 451) Sampling error +/- 5% ne 63% One 26% Two 9% Three or more 2% ZONE 47: Respondents (n=203) ne 64% One 24% Two 9% Three or more 3% Page 24 of 57

25 Q5. If APR(Antler Point Restriction) is adopted, are you willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest? All Respondents (n = 1334) Sampling error +/- 3% 60% 30% Opinion 9% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 491) Sampling error +/- 4% 61% 28% Opinion 11% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 257) Sampling error +/- 6% 55% 35% Opinion 11% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Page 25 of 57

26 Q5. If APR(Antler Point Restriction) is adopted, are you willing to harvest more antlerless deer and see an increase in the antlerless harvest? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 226) 53% 37% Opinion 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 450) Sampling error +/- 5% 61% 32% Opinion 7% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 203) 67% 25% Opinion 8% Page 26 of 57

27 Q6. Management of deer populations to produce older or more mature bucks, often called Quality Deer Management, requires that young, small-antlered bucks be protected and that more does be killed. Are you willing to give up the chance to shoot small-antlered bucks (for instance a buck with 6 points) and shoot more does in exchange for an increased chance to shoot large-antlered bucks in later years? All Respondents (n = 1326) Sampling error +/- 3% 69% 26% Opinion 5% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 489) Sampling error +/- 4% 69% 26% Opinion 5% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 257) Sampling error +/- 6% 71% 23% Opinion 6% Page 27 of 57

28 Q6. Management of deer populations to produce older or more mature bucks, often called Quality Deer Management, requires that young, small-antlered bucks be protected and that more does be killed. Are you willing to give up the chance to shoot small-antlered bucks (for instance a buck with 6 points) and shoot more does in exchange for an increased chance to shoot large-antlered bucks in later years? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 226) 69% 26% Opinion 5% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 443) Sampling error +/- 5% 66% 29% Opinion 5% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 202) 74% 23% Opinion 3% Page 28 of 57

29 Q7. Research on the current 3-point Antler Point Restrictions in zones 3, 6, 9, 13, 27, 29, 35 and 63 from 2001 through 2005 in New Jersey has shown that on average, 11 yearling bucks saved from the harvest due to Antler Point Restrictions are missing from the older age class harvest. In other words, the number of older age class bucks harvested is considerably less than the number of yearlings saved due to APR. Do you find this acceptable? ALL Respondents (n = 1317) Sampling error +/- 3% 51% 28% Opinion 21% Zone 28: Respondents (n = 484) Sampling error +/- 5% 52% 28% Opinion 20% Zone 30: Respondents (n = 251) Sampling error +/- 6% 47% 32% Opinion 21% Page 29 of 57

30 Q7. Research on the current 3-point Antler Point Restrictions in zones 3, 6, 9, 13, 27, 29, 35 and 63 from 2001 through 2005 in New Jersey has shown that on average, 11 yearling bucks saved from the harvest due to Antler Point Restrictions are missing from the older age class harvest. In other words, the number of older age class bucks harvested is considerably less than the number of yearlings saved due to APR. Do you find this acceptable? (continued) Zone 31: Respondents (n = 225) 52% 27% Opinion 21% Zone 34: Respondents (n = 444) Sampling error +/- 5% 50% 29% Opinion 21% Zone 47: Respondents (n = 203) 56% 25% Opinion 20% Page 30 of 57

31 Q8. In deer management zones with high quality deer browse and food availability, would a 4-point Antler Point Restriction be acceptable to you? ALL Respondents (n = 1337) Sampling error +/- 3% 56% 38% Opinion 6% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 493) Sampling error +/- 4% 57% 39% Opinion 4% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 257) Sampling error +/- 6% 54% 40% Opinion 6% Page 31 of 57

32 Q8. In deer management zones with high quality deer browse and food availability, would a 4-point Antler Point Restriction be acceptable to you? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 228) 53% 42% Opinion 5% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 450) Sampling error +/- 5% 57% 37% Opinion 6% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 203) 60% 35% Opinion 5% Page 32 of 57

33 Q9. Would you like to see APR (3 Points or more on one side) regulations in the following zones: All Respondents DMZ Selected Respondents ZONE: 28 (n=1201) 62% ZONE: 28 (n=489) 73% Sampling error +/- 3% 19% Sampling error +/- 4% 26% opinion 19% opinion 1% ZONE: 30 (n=1181) Sampling error +/- 3% 17% 57% ZONE: 30 (n=256) Sampling error +/- 6% 24% 73% opinion 26% opinion 2% ZONE: 31 (n=1174) Sampling error +/- 3% 16% 56% ZONE: 31 (n=225) Sampling error +/- 7% 25% 72% opinion 28% opinion 3% ZONE: 34 (n=1227) 61% ZONE: 34 (n=450) 69% Sampling error +/- 3% 18% Sampling error +/- 5% 29% opinion 21% opinion 2% ZONE: 47 (n=1177) 57% ZONE: 47 (n=201) 69% Sampling error +/- 3% 17 % Sampling error +/- 7% 28% NJDFW opinion APR Survey Results 26% opinion 3% August 2010 Page 33 of 57 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

34 Q10. Please choose how you would like to see New Jersey s deer harvest comprised? Option 1: Fewer bucks harvested, but those bucks are older, have more mass and more antler points. Option 2: More bucks harvested, but those bucks are younger, have less mass and fewer antler points. All Respondents (n = 1263) Sampling error +/- 3% Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 84% More Bucks w/less mass & points 16% 90% 100% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 464) Sampling error +/- 5% Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 85% More Bucks w/less mass & points 15% 90% 100% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 242) Sampling error +/- 6% Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 84% More Bucks w/less mass & points 16% 90% 100 % Page 34 of 57

35 Q10. Please choose how you would like to see New Jersey s deer harvest comprised? Option 1: Fewer bucks harvested, but those bucks are older, have more mass and more antler points. Option 2: More bucks harvested, but those bucks are younger, have less mass and fewer antler points. (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 212) Sampling error +/-7% Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 85% More Bucks w/less mass & points 15% 90% 100 % ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 425) Sampling error +/- 5% Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 81% More Bucks w/less mass & points 19% 90% 100 % ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 194) Fewer Bucks w/more mass & points 82% More Bucks w/less mass & points 18% 90% 100 % Page 35 of 57

36 Q11. Currently in New Jersey, the total buck bag limit for all seasons combined is 6 per Fall/Winter hunting year. New Jersey hunters generally harvest 3 bucks or less over all seasons combined in a Fall/Winter hunting year. During the deer hunting season, 99.2% of successful buck hunters harvested 3 bucks or less. Would like to see less bucks per hunter allowed for harvest? If yes to #11, how many bucks per year would like to see allowed per hunter for harvest? All Respondents (n = 1301) Sampling error +/- 3% 49% 51% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 478) Sampling error +/- 5% ZONE 28: # Bucks Allowed for Harvest (n = 195) 46% % 48% 3 24% 54% 4 5 6% 5% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 251) Sampling error +/- 6% ZONE 30: # Bucks Allowed for Harvest (n = 114) Sampling error +/- 9% 49% % 54% 3 24% 51% 4 5 0% 6% Page 36 of 57

37 Q11. Currently in New Jersey, the total buck bag limit for all seasons combined is 6 per Fall/Winter hunting year. New Jersey hunters generally harvest 3 bucks or less over all seasons combined in a Fall/Winter hunting year. During the deer hunting season, 99.2% of successful buck hunters harvested 3 bucks or less. Would like to see less bucks per hunter allowed for harvest? If yes to #11, how many bucks per year would like to see allowed per hunter for harvest? ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 214) ZONE 31: # Bucks Allowed for Harvest (n = 97) Sampling error +/- 10% 49% % 47% 3 25% 51% 4 5 1% 11% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 438) Sampling error +/- 5% ZONE 34: # Bucks Allowed for Harvest (n = 202) 51% % 55% 3 21% 49% 4 5 1% 6% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 198) ZONE 47: # Bucks Allowed for Harvest (n = 90) Sampling error +/- 10% 52% % 42% 3 19% 48% 4 5 2% 11% Page 37 of 57

38 Q12. What type of land do you primarily hunt? All Respondents (n = 1261) Sampling error +/- 3% Private 64% Public 36% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 458) Sampling error +/- 5% Private 77% Public 23% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 239) Sampling error +/- 6% Private 64% Public 36% Page 38 of 57

39 Q12. What type of land do you primarily hunt? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 208) Private 56% Public 44% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 423) Sampling error +/- 5% Private 47% Public 53% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 195) Private 69% Public 31% Page 39 of 57

40 Q13. If you hunt private land, how many acres is the property where you hunt? All Respondents (n = 1034) Sampling error +/- 3% % Over % 27% Don't Know 8% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 433) Sampling error +/- 5% % % Over % Don't Know 5% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 199) % Over 100 Don't Know 14% 23% 27% Page 40 of 57

41 Q13. If you hunt private land, how many acres is the property where you hunt? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 171) Sampling error +/- 8% % Over 100 Don't Know 13% 19% 22% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 294) Sampling error +/- 6% % % Over % Don't Know 11% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 165) Sampling error +/- 8% % Over % 22% Don't Know 6% Page 41 of 57

42 Q14. What is your primary method of deer hunting? All Respondents (n = 1223) Sampling error +/- 3% Elevated stand 83% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 6% 3% 8% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 448) Sampling error +/- 5% Elevated stand 90% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 5% 4% 2% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 234) Sampling error +/- 6% Elevated stand 83% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 4% 3% 10% Page 42 of 57

43 Q14. What is your primary method of deer hunting? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 202) Elevated stand 87% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 1% 6% 5% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 408) Sampling error +/- 5% Elevated stand 77% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 4% 11% 8% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 185) Elevated stand 83% Ground blind Deer driving Still hunting 2% 9% 6% Page 43 of 57

44 Q15. Are you a member of a hunting club that actively drives deer during the deer season? All Respondents (n = 1316) Sampling error +/- 3% 33% 67% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 482) Sampling error +/- 5% 30% 70% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 254) Sampling error +/- 6% 31% 69% Page 44 of 57

45 Q15. Are you a member of a hunting club that actively drives deer during the deer season? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 218) 38% 62% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 443) Sampling error +/- 5% 35% 65% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 200) 42% 58% Page 45 of 57

46 Q16. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: If deer hunters drive deer, it is difficult to identify legal bucks with the APR restrictions. Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know 3% 7% All Respondents (n = 1316) Sampling error +/- 3% 10% 11% 22% 47% Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 484) Sampling error +/- 5% 2% 7% 10% 10% 26% 45% Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 254) Sampling error +/- 6% 8% 9% 6% 11% 18% 48% Page 46 of 57

47 Q16. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: If deer hunters drive deer, it is difficult to identify legal bucks with the APR restrictions. (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 217) Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know 17% 6% 11% 13% 3% 50% Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 444) Sampling error +/- 5% 3% 7% 10% 14% 20% 46% Strongly agree Moderately agree Neither agree nor disagree Moderately disagree Strongly disagree Don't know ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 199) 5% 4% 10% 15% 23% 44% Page 47 of 57

48 Q17. Would you give up driving deer because it may be harder to identify legal antler points, to allow for 3 point rule regulations in your area? All Respondents (n = 1326) Sampling error +/- 3% 44% 37% Opinion 19% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 492) Sampling error +/- 4% 44% 37% Opinion 19% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 249) Sampling error +/- 6% 51% 30% Opinion 19% Page 48 of 57

49 Q17. Would you give up driving deer because it may be harder to identify legal antler points, to allow for 3 point rule regulations in your area? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 227) 49% 32% Opinion 19% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 447) Sampling error +/- 5% 43% 39% Opinion 18% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 201) 37% 41% Opinion 22% Page 49 of 57

50 Q18. Do you hunt deer over bait? All Respondents (n = 1328) Sampling error +/- 3% 80% 20% ZONE 28: Respondents (n = 491) Sampling error +/- 4% 75% 25% ZONE 30: Respondents (n = 254) Sampling error +/- 6% 75% 25% Page 50 of 57

51 Q18. Do you hunt deer over bait? (continued) ZONE 31: Respondents (n = 226) 80% 20% ZONE 34: Respondents (n = 447) Sampling error +/- 5% 86% 14% ZONE 47: Respondents (n = 202) 87% 13% Page 51 of 57