DLNR - Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Public Lands Hunting
Information
Survey Report

For the Hunting Year
January - December 2016

Table of Contents
Cover ................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... 2
Report Overview..............................................................................................................3
Q1: On which island did you purchase your hunting license? ..................................4
Q2: In what month did you purchase your license? .................................................. 4
Q3: Are you a resident of the state of Hawaii? ........................................................... 5
Q4: How many years have you been hunting in the state of Hawaii? ..................... 5
Q5: What are the three most important reasons that you hunt? ............................ 6
Q6: What type of hunting do you do? ..........................................................................7
Q7: Do you use dogs for hunting? ............................................................................... 7
Q8: How many of your meals are supplemented with game that you hunt? ........ 8
Q9: Approximately how much did you spend on hunting in 2016? ........................ 8
Q10: Have you hunted on private lands? ................................................................... 9
Q11: Have you hunted on public lands? ..................................................................... 9
Q12: Which public hunting areas have you hunted on? ........................................... 10
Q13: Which public hunting unit have you used the most? ....................................... 12
Q14: How many days did you spend hunting game mammals in PHAs? ............... 13
Q15: How many game mammals did you harvest in PHAs? .................................... 14
Q16: How many days did you spend hunting game birds in PHAs? ....................... 17
Q17: How many game birds did you harvest in PHAs? ............................................ 18
Q18: Rank the following improvements for your hunting experience. .................. 25
Q19: How regularly do you report your time in and out at the check stations? ... 26
Q20: How regularly do you report the game harvested at the check stations? .... 26
Q21: Would you use a smartphone app in place of current check stations? ......... 26
Q22: Are you a member of a hunting club or organization? .................................... 27
Q23: Are you a member of, or do you work for, a conservation organization? .... 28
Q24: Do you have any additional comments? ........................................................... 29
2

Report Overview
In 2017, The Division of Forestry and Wildlife posted an online survey for
hunters in the state of Hawaii about their use of public hunting lands during 2016.
453 hunters completed the online survey. The survey requested information about
each hunter’s license, hunting history, spending, hunting locations, game harvest,
organization membership status, and comments about various topics related tohunting.
This report summarizes the data submitted by the hunters on the survey.
The questions are taken directly from the survey and are arranged in the sameorder. Answering the questions on the survey was optional, so each question has
a note in blue text showing how many of the 453 people who took the survey responded to that question.
The purpose of this annual survey is to assist in improving management inpublic hunting areas in the State of Hawai‘i. The information provided by the hunters who responded will be used directly in the planning of upcoming hunting seasons. This is an opportunity for the hunting public to provide important information to be used for decision-making and management.

3

Q1: On which island did you purchase your hunting license? (453/453)

Island Where License was Purchased
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

35% of people who took the survey purchased their license on Oahu, 34% on Hawaii, , 4% on
Kauai, 11% on Maui, 2% on Molokai, and 3% on Lanai. 34 reported that they purchased theirlicense online without specifying an island, and 14 said that they did not have a hunting license.
These numbers show only where hunters purchased their license, not where they spent time
hunting. Many hunters travel to other islands for hunting trips, so the number of people whoreported hunting on an island differs from the number of people who purchased their license onthat same island.

Q2: In what month did you purchase your license? (453/453)

Month in Which License was Purchased
30%
20%
10%
0%

While 125 of the 453 people did not remember when they had purchased their hunting license,
the majority of those who did know purchased their licenses in June and July, when hunting
licenses become available for the start of the fiscal year.

4Q3: Are you a resident of the state of Hawaii? (453/453)

Hawaii
Resident

Island of Residence
60%

100%

50%

80%

40%

60%

30%

40%

20%

20%

10%

0%

0%

Yes

No

Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

97% of people who took the survey responded that they were residents of the state of Hawaii,
while 12 people reported that they were not. 163 hunters who reported being state of Hawaii
residents provided their island of residence. Of those, 48% lived on Oahu, 33% on Hawaii, 3% on
Kauai, 12% on Maui, 2% on Molokai, and 2% on Lanai.

Q4: How many years have you been hunting in the state of Hawaii? (453/453)

Years Spent Hunting in Hawaii
40%
20%
0%
0

1-10

11-20

21-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

Life

Years hunted
The experience of the people who took the survey ranged from new hunters to some who had
been hunting for 70 years or their whole lives. The average was 22.68 years. 4% had hunted forless than a year, 30% for 1-10 years, 18% for 11-20 years, 17% for 21-30 years, 12% for 31-40
years, 12% for 41-50 years, 4% for 51-60 years, 2 people for 61-70 years, and 7 people who reported hunting for “life.”5Q5: What are the three most important reasons that you hunt? (453/453)

Reasons for Hunting
Recreation and sport
Subsistence hunting
To acquire wild game meat
Family tradition
To spend time in nature
Quality time with family/friends
Trophy hunting
Other
0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

For the hunters who took the survey, the two most important reasons that they hunted were toacquire wild game meat (64.0%) and to spend time in nature (63.8%). 56.7% said to spend quality time with family and friends, 54.8% said for recreation and sport, 38.0% said for subsistence
hunting, 37.8% said because hunting is a tradition in their family, and 12.8% said for trophy
hunting. 56 hunters selected “other” and wrote in additional reasons for hunting, which
included:• control of wild or invasive populations to protect natural resources and property• health benefits such as exercise or relaxation and stress relief• spiritual connection and cultural or religious reasons• knowing the value of Hawaii’s resources and where food is coming from6

Q6: What type of hunting do you do? (453/453)

Hunting Method
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Muzzle loader

Rifle

Hand gunShot gunArchery or spears

Knife

Other

The most common type of hunting reported was rifle hunting, with 81.5% of respondents usingthat method. After that came archery or spear hunting, shot guns, muzzle loaders, hand guns,
and then knife hunting. In the “other” category, 19 people reported hunting using various methods such as with dogs, traps or snares, crossbow hunting, or target shooting only.

Q7: Do you use dogs for hunting? (453/453)

Do you use dogs for
hunting?
80%
60%
40%

41% of the hunters reported
that they used dogs for hunting. The majority of thesehunters used their dogs tohunt game birds (26.1%), followed by pigs, and then both
birds and pigs.

20%
0%
No

Yes (bird)

Yes (pig)

Yes (bird andpig)

7Q8: In a typical month, how many of your meals are supplemented with game thatyou hunt? (Assuming 3 meals/day, 90 meals/month) (453/453)

Monthly Meals Supplemented with Game
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
None

Less than 9 meals

9 - 30 meals

more than 30 meals

45.0% of hunters who took the survey supplemented less than nine meals per month with game,
36.9% supplemented nine to thirty meals per month, 10.4% supplemented more than 30 meals
per month, and 7.7% did not supplement their meals with game.

Q9: Approximately how much did you spend on hunting in 2016 (on both public
and private lands)? Please include ground and air transportation, vehicle rental,
lodging, guide services, food, game tags, hunting dog maintenance, etc. (453/453)

2016 Hunting Spending
Less than $1,000$1,000-$4,999$5,000-$9,999$10,000-$15,000
More than $15,000
Unknown
0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Hunter responses
33% of hunters reported spending less than $1,000 dollars, 47% spent between $1,000 and$4,999, 13% spent between $5,000 and $9,999, 5% spent between $10,000 and $15,000, and
2% spent more than $15,000. The average amount spent was $2,681.60.

8

Q10: In 2016, have you hunted on private lands? (450/453)

Have you hunted
on private lands?
70%
60%
50%

58% of people who took the survey said
that they had hunted on private land,and 42% said that they had not. The
average amount of time those who responded “yes” spent hunting on private
land was 22 days.

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes

No

Q11: In 2016, have you hunted on public hunting lands? (451/453)

Have you hunted on public hunting lands?
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes, game birds only

Yes, game mammals only

Yes, both game birds andmammals

No

47.7% of hunters reported that they had hunted on public land only for game mammals, 34.8%
for both game birds and game mammals, and 4.0% for game birds only. 13.5% reported not
hunting on public lands.

13
9

Q12: In 2016, which public hunting areas (PHAs) have you hunted on? (300/453)
300 people reported the PHAs they had
hunted on in 2016. The percentages show thenumber of hunters out of the 300 who usedeach unit.

Hawaii Public
Hunting Area UsageOn Oahu, 20.67% reported hunting in the
North West (Waianae Kai, Mokuleia, Makua
Keaau and or Kuaokala Forest Reserves), 15%
on “Other” areas, and 11% in the East (Pupukea-Paumalu, Kaipapau, Hauula, Ewa forest
Reserves, Kuliouou I/II).
On Hawaii, 36% reported hunting on Puu
Waawaa and Puu Anahulu Forest Reserves,
30.67% on “Other” areas, 24.33% on Mauna
Loa and Kipuka Ainahou, 17.33% on Manuka
NAR, 15.67% on Hilo Watershed, 15% on
Kapapala and Kau Forest Reserve, 13.33% on
Olaa Forest Reserve, Waiakea FR, and Upper
Waiakea FR, 12.33% on Piha and Laupahoehoe portions of Hilo FR, 11.33% on Kohala andHamakua, and 5.33% on Nanawale, Malamaki,
and Keauohana Forest reserves.

Oahu Public Hunting
Area Usage
3

1
2

1

North West (Waianea kai, Mokuleia, Makua Keaau
and or Kuaokala Forest Reserves)

2

East (Pupukea-Paumalu, Kaipapau, Hauula, Ewa
forest Reserves, Kuliouou I/II)

3

Other

10

1

10

2
3

9
8

7

6

5

4

1

Kapapala, Kau Forest Reserve

2

Manuka N.A.R.

3

Mauna Loa, Kipuka Ainahou

4Olaa Forest Reserve, Waiakea FR, Upper Waiakea FR.

5

Nanawale, Malamaki, Keauohana FR’s

6

Hilo Watershed

7

Piha, Laupahoehoe portions of Hilo FR

8Kohala, Hamakua

9

Puu Waawaa and Puu Anahulu Forest Reserves

10

Other

Kauai Public Hunting Area
Usage

1

7

2
6
3
5

4

1

Kealia, Halelea, Moloaa and or Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserves – Unit C

2

Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve and or Hono O Na Pali N.A.R.- E1 & E2

3

Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve and Na Pali Kona – Unit B

4

Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve and Na Pali Kona – Unit H

5

Kokee & Waimea Canyon Rds – Unit L

6Kekaha GMA, Waimea – Unit A

7

Other (i.e Unit G, K, D, J and F)Maui Public Hunting
Area Usage

3

On Kauai, 5.33% reported huntingon Kekaha GMA and Waimea Unit A,
4.33% on Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve
and Na Pali Kona – Unit H, 4.33% on“Other” areas, 3.67% Na Pali-Kona
Forest Reserve and/or Hono O Na Pali
NAR – E1 and E2, 3.67% on Puu Ka
Pele Forest Reserve and Na Pali Kona
- Unit B, 3.67% on Kokee and Waimea
Canyon Roads – Unit L, and 3% on
Kealia, Halelea, Moloaa, and/or LihueKoloa Forest Reserves – Unit C.
On Maui, 11% reported hunting on
Koolau, Makawao, Kula, and/or Kahikinui Forest Reserve, 6.67% on“Other” areas, and 2.67% on West
Maui Forest Reserve.
On Lanai, 44.67% reported hunting on
Unit 1, 44% on Unit 2, and 25.67% on
Unit 3.
Not shown: Out of 300 hunters, 12%reported hunting on Molokai Forest
Reserve. This was the only option of
the survey for hunting on Molokai, so
there is no graph for comparison between Molokai public hunting areas.

Lanai Public
Hunting Area Usage

1

3

1

2

2
1

West Maui Forest Reserve

2

Koolau, Makawao, Kula, and/or Kahikinui Forest Reserve

3

Other

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 311

Q13: In 2016, which public hunting unit have you used the most? (300/453)

Most Used Public Hunting Units
Unit 1
Unit 2
Koolau, Makawao, Kula, and or Kahikinui Forest Reserve
North WestEastOahu, Other
Manuka N.A.R.
Mauna Loa, Kipuka Ainahou
Puu Waawaa and Puu Anahulu Forest Reserves
Hawaii, Other
0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

.

300 hunters reported which public hunting unit they used the most in 2016. All public hunting
units that had ten or more responses are shown in this graph.
13.7% of those who responded reported using Puu Waawaa and Puu Anahulu Forest Reserves
the most, followed by 13.3% who used Unit 2 on Lanai the most, 11.7% for Unit 1 on Lanai,
11.7% for “Other” areas on Hawaii, 6.0% for North West Oahu (Waianae Kai, Mokuleia, Makua Keaau and or Kuaokala Forest Reserves), 5.0% for Mauna Loa and Kipuka Ainahou on Hawaii, 5.0%
for Manuka NAR in Hawaii, 4.7% for East Oahu (Pupukea-Paumalu, Kaipapau, Hauula, Ewa forest Reserves and or Kuliouou I and II), 4.3% for Koolau, Makawao, Kula, and/or Kahikinui Forest
Reserve on Maui, and 4.3% for “Other” areas on Oahu.
Not shown in the graph (less than 10 responses): 9 hunters selected Unit 3 on Lanai as theirmost used public hunting unit, 8 selected Hilo Watershed on Hawaii, 7 selected Olaa Forest
Reserve, Waiakea FR, Upper Waiakea FR on Hawaii, 5 selected Kohala and Hamakua on Hawaii,
5 selected Molokai Forest Reserve, 4 selected Kekaha GMA and Waimea Unit A on Kauai, 4 selected Kapapala and Kau Forest Reserve on Hawaii, 4 selected Piha and Laupahoehoe portionsof Hilo FR on Hawaii, 3 selected “Other” areas on Maui, 3 selected Kokee and Waimea Canyon
Roads in Unit L on Kauai, 3 selected “Other” areas on Kauai (this includes Unit G, K, D, J, and F),
2 selected Kealia, Halelea, Moloaa, and/or Lihue-Koloa FR in Unit C on Kauai, 2 selected Puu Ka
Pele FR and Na Pali Kona in Unit H on Kauai, 1 selected West Maui Forest Reserve, and 1 selected
Na Pali-Kona FR and/or Hono O Na Pali NAR on Kauai.

12Game Mammal Hunting in Public Hunting Areas
Q14: In 2016, how many days did you spend hunting game mammals in public
hunting areas? Please include the days that you hunted but did not harvest any
game. (300/453)

Game Mammal Trips per Hunter
Average trips per hutner

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

Each day that hunters reported was counted as one hunting trip. The total number of trips madeon each island was divided by the number of people who spent time hunting on that island tofind the average number of trips each hunter made for game mammals there.
Hunters made an average of 19.9 trips on Oahu (1649 trips total), 29.1 trips on Hawaii (4364 trips
total), 21.8 trips on Kauai (545 trips total), 16.3 trips on Maui (684 trips total), 17.6 trips on Molokai (546 trips total), and 5.7 trips on Lanai (795 trips total).

13

Q15: In 2016, how many game mammals did you harvest in public hunting areas?
(300/453)

Game Mammal Harvest per Hunter Trip.

Feral Pig
Feral Goat**Mouflon Sheep*Axis Deer
Feral Pig
Feral Goat
Feral Sheep
Mouflon Sheep
Mouflon-feral Hybrid*Axis Deer
Feral Pig
Feral Goat**Mouflon Sheep
Axis Deer
Black-tailed Deer
Feral Pig
Feral Goat
Feral Sheep**Mouflon Sheep
Axis Deer
Feral Pig
Feral Goat
Mouflon Sheep**Mouflon-feral Hybrid
Axis Deer
Mouflon Sheep
Mouflon-feral Hybrid
Axis Deer

Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

Mammals Harvested per Hunter Trip

The graph above shows the average number of each game mammal species that hunters harvested per trip on each island. For example, hunters on Oahu harvested 0.16 feral pigs per trip,
which means that hunters have to make approximately seven trips to harvest a feral pig on
Oahu. On Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai, feral pigs were harvested most frequently, while on Maui,
Molokai, and Lanai, Axis deer were harvested most frequently.
*Even though Axis deer have not been confirmed on Oahu and Hawaii, 7 hunters reported thatthey have harvested Axis deer on on Oahu and 11 hunters reported the same on Hawaii.
**Even though Mouflon sheep have only been confirmed on Hawaii and Lanai, a total of 8 hunters reported that they have harvested Mouflon sheep on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Molokai.

14Game mammal species that were harvested on more than one island are shown here for comparison of total harvest in 2016. The exception is for feral sheep: 145 feral sheep were harvested
on Hawaii, and 1 feral sheep was harvested on Maui. One game mammal species was only foundon one island: black-tailed deer, of which 12 were harvested on Kauai.

2016 Feral Pig Harvest

The most feral pigs were harvested on Hawaii, with a totalof 976 pigs. 335 pigs were
harvested on Oahu, 114 pigs
on Kauai, 65 pigs on Maui,and 33 pigs on Molokai.

Total pigs harvested

1000
800
600
400
200
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Total goats harvested

2016 Feral Goat Harvest

The most feral goats were
harvested on Hawaii, with a
total of 484 goats. 136 goats
were harvested on Oahu, 80
goats on Kauai, 105 goats on
Maui, and 8 goats on Molokai.

600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai2016 Mouflon Sheep Harvest
Total Mouflon sheep
harvested

100
80
60
40
20
0

*
Oahu

Hawaii

*

*

*

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

The most Mouflon sheep
were harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 97 sheep. 7
Mouflon sheep were harvested on Oahu, 2 sheep on
Kauai, 4 sheep on Maui, 3
sheep on Molokai, and 94
sheep on Lanai.
*Even though Mouflon sheep
have only been confirmed
on Hawaii and Lanai, a totalof 8 hunters reported thatthey have harvested Mouflon
sheep on Oahu, Kauai, Maui,and Molokai.

15

Total Mouflon-feral
sheep harvested

2016 Mouflon-feral Hybrid
Sheep Harvest

The most Mouflon-feral hybrid sheep were harvested
on Hawaii, with a total of 141
sheep. 7 Mouflon feral hybrid sheep were harvested
on Molokai, and 7 sheep on
Lanai.

150
100
50
0
Hawaii

Molokai

Lanai
The most Axis deer were harvested on Lanai, with a totalof 180 sheep. 43 Axis deer
were harvested on Oahu, 32
deer on Hawaii, 2 deer on
Kauai, 131 deer on Maui, and92 deer on Molokai.

Total Axis deer harvested

2016 Axis Deer Harvest
200
150
100

16

50

*

*

0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai*Even though Axis deer havenot been confirmed on Oahu
and Hawaii, 7 hunters reported that they have harvested
Axis deer on on Oahu and 11
hunters reported the same on
Hawaii.

Game Bird Hunting in Public Hunting Areas
Q16: During the game bird season (November 2016 - January 2017), how manydays did you spend hunting game birds in public hunting areas? Please include thedays that you hunted for game birds but did not harvest any game. (300/453)

Game Bird Trips per Hunter
Average trips per hunter

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Lanai

Each day that hunters reported was counted as one hunting trip. The total number of trips madeon each island was divided by the number of people who spent time hunting on that island tofind the average number of trips each hunter made for game birds there.
Hunters made an average of 6.7 trips on Oahu (248 trips total), 11.2 trips on Hawaii (1208 trips
total), 6.1 trips on Kauai (49 trips total), 5.3 trips on Maui (96 trips total), 5.3 trips on Molokai (21trips total), and 1.9 trips on Lanai (15 trips total).

17

Q17: During the game bird season (November 2016 - January 2017), how many
game birds did you harvest in public hunting areas? (300/453)

Game Bird Harvest per Hunter Trip.
Oahu

Ring-necked PheasantGreen Pheasant
Chukar Partridge
Gray Francolin
Black Francolin
Erckel's Francolin
Spotted Dove
Barred Dove
Mourning Dove
Ring-necked PheasantGreen PheasantKalij Pheasant
California QuailJapanese Quail
Wild Turkey
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Chukar Partridge
Gray Francolin
Black Francolin
Erckel's Francolin
Barred Dove
Mourning Dove

Hawaii

Kauai

Ring-necked PheasantKalij PheasantBlack Francolin
Erckel's Francolin
Spotted Dove
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

Birds Harvested per Hunter Trip
On Oahu, Erckel’s Francolins and Mourning Doves were harvested most frequently. On Hawaii
and Kauai, Erckel’s Francolins were harvested most frequently.

18

Game Bird Harvest per Hunter Trip.

Maui
Ring-necked PheasantGreen Pheasant
California Quail
Chukar Partridge
Gray Francolin
Black Francolin

MolokaiRing-necked PheasantJapanese Quail
Wild Turkey
Chukar Partridge
Black Francolin
Spotted Dove
Barred Dove
Mourning Dove
Lanai
Wild Turkey
Gray Francolin
Barred Dove
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

Birds Harvested per Hunter Trip
On Maui, Ring-necked Pheasants were harvested most frequently. On Molokai, Mourning Doves
were harvested most frequently. On Lanai, Gray Francolins and Barred Doves were harvested
most frequently.

19

Game bird species that were harvested on more than one island are shown here for comparisonof total harvest in 2016. One game bird species was only found on one island: Chestnut-bellied
Sandgrouse, of which 18 were harvested on Hawaii.

Total birds harvested

2016 Ring-Necked PheasantHarvestThe most Ring-necked Pheasants were harvested on Hawaii, with a total of 104 birds.
12 were harvested on Oahu,
27 on Kauai, 25 on Maui, and 2
on Molokai.

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

Total birds harvested

2016 Green Pheasant Harvest
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Maui2016 Kalij Pheasant Harvest
Total birds harvested

The most Green Pheasantswere harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 5 birds. 2 were
harvested on Oahu and 1 on
Maui.

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Hawaii

20

Kauai

The most Kalij Pheasants were
harvested on Hawaii, with a
total of 100 birds. 7 were harvested on Kauai.

Total birds harvested

2016 California Quail Harvest
300
250
200

The most California Quailwere harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 294 birds. 1 washarvested on Oahu and 11 on
Maui.

150
100
50
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Maui

Total birds harvested

2016 Japanese Quail Harvest
The most Japanese Quail were
harvested on Hawaii, with a
total of 36 birds. 2 were harvested on Molokai.

40
30
20
10
0
Hawaii

Molokai2016 Wild Turkey Harvest

The most Wild Turkeys were
harvested on Hawaii, with a
total of 103 birds. 1 was harvested on Kauai, 2 on Molokai,
and 1 on Lanai.

Total birds harvested

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Hawaii

Kauai

MolokaiLanai

21

Total birds harvested

2016 Chukar Partridge Harvest
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Maui

Molokai

Total birds harvested

2016 Gray Francolin Harvest
35
30
25
20

The most Gray Francolins
were harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 32 birds. 9 were
harvested on Oahu, 12 on
Maui, and 2 on Lanai.

15
10
5
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Maui

Lanai

2016 Black Francolin Harvest
Total birds harvested

The most Chukar Partridges
were harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 126 birds. 1
was harvested on Oahu, 23 on
Maui, and 4 on Molokai.

500
400
300
200
100
0
Oahu

22

Hawaii

Kauai

Maui

Molokai

The most Black Francolins
were harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 406 birds. 5
were harvested on Oahu, 16
on Kauai, 2 on Maui, and 6 on
Molokai.

2016 Erckel's Francolin Harvest
Total birds harvested

800
600
400
200
0
Oahu

Hawaii

Kauai

Total birds harvested

2016 Spotted Dove Harvest

The most Spotted Doves were
harvested on Oahu, with a total of 23 birds. 8 were harvested on Kauai and 2 on Molokai.

25
20
15
10
5
0
Oahu

Kauai

Molokai2016 Barred Dove Harvest
Total birds harvested

The most Erckel’s Francolins
were harvested on Hawaii,with a total of 745 birds. 47
were harvested on Oahu and
59 on Kauai.

The most Barred Doves were
harvested on Oahu, with a
total of 32 birds. 3 were harvested on Hawaii, 2 on Molokai, and 2 on Lanai.

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Oahu

Hawaii

MolokaiLanai

23

Total birds harvested

2016 Mourning Dove Harvest
50
40
30
20
10
0
Oahu

24

Hawaii

Molokai

The most Mourning Doves
were harvested on Oahu, witha total of 47 birds. 3 Mourning Doves were harvested on
Hawaii and 14 were harvested
on Molokai.

Q18: Using any number from 1 to 5 (1 being the least important and 5 the mostimportant), please rank the following statements for how you feel they would improve your hunting experience in the State of Hawaii. (296/453)

Average importanceImportance of Suggested Improvements
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Increase of bag limits

Better access to public
hunting areas

Acquisition of more
An increase in the
An increase in the
public hunting areas number of hunting days number of hunting days
for game mammals
for game birds

The average importance took into account the weight of the response, where 5 was the mostheavily weighted and 1 was the least, corresponding to the scale of importance hunters used.
The most important improvement was the acquisition of more public hunting areas, with anaverage importance of 4.06, followed by better access to public hunting areas with 3.57, an increase in the number of hunting days for game mammals with 3.10, an increase in the numberof hunting days for game birds with 2.33, and lastly an increase of bag limits with 2.10.

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Q19: How regularly do you check in at the check stations to report your time in andout of the hunting unit? (357/453)
Q20: How regularly do you check in at the check station to report the type andnumber of game harvested? (357/453)

Time In and Out ReportingGame Harvest Reporting

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
AlwaysSometimes

Never

Only if I am neara check station.

AlwaysSometimes

Never

Only if I am neara check station.

78.7% of hunters reported always checking in and out at the check station. 6.4% reported using
the check station sometimes, and 9.0% reported using the check station only if they were near it.
5.9% of hunters reported never checking in and out at the check station.
81.8% of hunters said that they always reported the type and number of game harvested at thecheck station. 5.00% reported using the check station sometimes, and 7.8% reported using thecheck station only if they were near it. 5.3% of hunters said they never reported the type andnumber of game harvested at the check station.

Q21: Would you use a smartphone app to access and provide the same hunting
information that is currently collected at the check station if it meant that you did
not have to stop at the check station? (356/453)

Would you use acheck station app?
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes

26

No

83% of hunters responded that they would use
an app that allowed them to provide the same
information that is currently collected at the checkstations. 17% said they would not use the app, withconcerns such as some hunters not having smartphones or the technical skill to use an app, poor
cell service coverage in certain areas, or that they
were not interested or did not find an app to be auseful solution to problems with the hunting program management.

Q22: Are you a member of a hunting club/organization? (357/453)

Hunting Club or
Organization
Membership
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes

No

357 hunters reported whether they belonged to a hunting club or organization. Of those, 72% did not belong
to a hunting club, and 28% did. The organizations they
belonged to, and the number of hunters who indicatedtheir involvement, include:• National Rifle Association (19)
• Safari Club International (13)• National Wild Turkey Federation (11)• Pheasants Forever (10)• Kaupo Wildlife Club (7)• Kahikinui Game and Land Management Ohana (5)• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (5)• Ducks Unlimited (4)• Hawaii Rifle Association (4)• Hawaii Sportsmen’s Alliance (3)• North American Hunter (3)• Pig Hunters Association of Oahu (3)• Hunter Education Program (3)• Hawaii Island Archers Club (2)• Club Kahauloa (2)• Big Island Bird Hunters (1)• Molokai Bowhunters Archery Club (1)• Aukahi Archers (1)• Koko Head Skeet Club (1)• Kauai Hunting Association (1)27Q23: Are you a member of, or do you work for, a conservation organization?
(357/453)

Conservation
Organization
Membership
90%• DOFAW (5)• The Nature Conservancy (4)• DLNR (3)• Sierra Club (3)• USDA Wildlife Services (3)• US Fish and Wildlife Service (2)• Conservation Council for Hawaii (1)• Hawaii Audubon Society (1)• Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Group (1)• Shell Rock River Watershed District (1)• Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (1)• National Wildlife Federation (1)• Cousteau Society (1)• Friends of Hakalau Forest (1)• Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (1)

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes

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357 hunters reported whether they belonged to aconservation organization. Of those, 81% did not, and
19% did. The organizations they belonged to, and thenumber of hunters who indicated their involvement,
include:No

Q24: Do you have any additional comments? (171/453)
171 hunters left comments about their concerns, suggestions for improvement of the hunting
program, and questions for the DLNR. The most common request, that the DLNR end eradication of game mammal populations, was mentioned 29 times. There were numerous comments
calling for better management of the game program without offering any specific suggestions
for improvement, but another frequently mentioned concern was fencing. Many hunters feltthat fencing in public hunting areas was reducing the area available for hunting and limiting thenumber of game mammals that were available to hunt. Concern about the continued availabilityof public hunting land was frequently mentioned in the comments, with many hunters suggesting opening more or better quality land to public hunting. They were worried that the loss of
public hunting lands and the lack of access to the lands that are open were reducing the availability of hunting opportunities in the state. Four people specifically wanted access to Kipuka
Ainahou restored. Commenters also requested more maintenance of public hunting areas,
mentioning both the roadways and wildlife habitat.
Hunters were looking for more opportunities to hunt. They expressed concern about the lack ofgame in public hunting areas in general, with specific requests to release additional gamebirds
for hunters. Other commenters wanted the removal of overly strict regulations, increased bag
limits, and week-long hunts all year in public hunting areas, especially for game species thatwere injurious to native habitat and wildlife. It was requested that there be more hunting areas
and less harvest restrictions for youth, senior, and disabled hunters. Archery hunters wanted
more land open for archery without gun hunting being allowed at the same time, so that bow
hunting would be more successful.
8 commenters worried about the prevalence of poaching, both on public and private land. Many
hunters wanted more enforcement of hunting regulations, because they felt that the lack ofenforcement was allowing people to take advantage of the system and creating unfair situations
for hunters who followed the rules. Two people specifically requested a stronger presence atcheck stations to ensure that hunters were being held accountable for following the rules.
Some commenters were looking for more frequent and clearer communication from the DLNR.
The hunters mentioned a need for better maps, and requested that information about hunting
season dates be announced earlier, so that they could have time to plan and prepare for theseason. A few commenters called for an update and simplification of hunting regulations.
License costs and other fees associated with hunting were mentioned four times. Two hunters
recommended that the DLNR charge money for game tags and others expressed willingness
to pay more for hunting fees, as long as the revenue would be used to improve habitat andmanagement. It was also suggested that non-residents be charged more for their licenses. One
hunter suggested investigating ways that technology could be used to eliminate the need to go
to the DOFAW office to acquire tags and permits.
Other concerns included the need for a shooting range (mentioned by 3 commenters), a request
to switch Lanai Axis deer and Mouflon seasons (mentioned by 4 commenters), multiple use issues about hikers and non-hunting dogs sharing hunting land, the prevalence of invasive plants
in certain hunting units, and reduced regulations for crossbows. All of the comments hunters leftshow their desire for support for the continuation of public hunting on Hawaii, which is a majorpart of many of their lives and livelihoods.

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