An important measure of success for wildlife managers is hunter satisfaction, and it often has been assumed that harvest success is related to satisfaction and may even be a surrogate measure for hunter satisfaction. However, introduction of the multiple satisfactions concept, showing that hunters seek and receive a number of benefits from hunting in addition to harvest success, has directed research into the factors associated with hunter satisfaction and the relevant role of harvest success. In 1998, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (SDGFP) established the Lower Oahe Waterfowl Hunting Access Area (LOWHAA) located approximately 15 miles north of Pierre, South Dakota. It was managed to provide a variety of quality goose hunting opportunities along the Missouri River. Part of the package included field decoy-only areas with limited access, via registration, to ensure an uncrowded goose hunting experience. The registration process for gaining access included collecting harvest information and a question measuring hunters’ satisfaction. A review of data collected by the SDGFP (1998 – 2011) measuring hunting participation, harvest, and satisfaction with the day’s hunting experience at the decoy-only unit of the LOWHAA revealed a strong relationship between goose harvest and satisfaction of the hunting party, but also identified a segment of hunters for whom harvest success was not related to satisfaction. A better understanding of this segment of hunters may identify factors that managers can influence to maintain or increase hunter satisfaction.
