The Human Dimensions of Waterfowl Hunters at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Barton County, Kansas

An on-site human dimension survey was applied at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area (CHBW), Kansas, to evaluate waterfowl hunters� support for three alternative management strategies. The strategies included in the survey were: 1) the creation of a refuge-in-time where hunting would be allowed for the entire day, but only on odd-numbered calendar dates, 2) the designation of an existing pool as a primitive pool, i.e., no motorized watercraft allowed, and 3) the creation of a refuge-in-time where hunting would only be allowed in a given pool from � hour before sunrise to 1300 hours, but hunting would be allowed every day during that time. Waterfowl hunters at CHBW were surveyed during three different season frameworks during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 waterfowl seasons: September teal season, early duck season, and late duck and goose season. There were no significant differences detected relative to season framework; however, waterfowl hunters at CHBW did support the implementation of a primitive pool. The analyses of these surveys will be used to help direct future management decisions, in an effort to increase waterfowl hunter participation and satisfaction at CHBW.