J. K. Thomas

Identifying and Responding to Antihunting Sentiment

We compared Texas antihunters with hunters and neutrals in terms of 8 demographic characteristics, their views on 6 reasons for hunting, and opinions on 7 environmental statements. Antihunters were nearly indistinguishable from neutrals in demographic characteristics, levels of opposition to hunting, and environmental opinions. Membership in or desire to become a member of an antihunting organization does not necessarily identify an antihunter as evidenced by a measurable degree of antihunting sentiment among neutrals. Antihunters differed from hunters more in terms of demographic...

Perceived Factors Influencing Students' Interest in Wildlife

The perceived influence of television, parents, books, teachers, friends, and a school class on students' interest in wildlife was examined by survey of fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh grade students residing in Hualien, Taiwan, and Victoria, Texas. Television and books represented the greatest perceived influence on both Taiwanese and American students' interest in wildlife whereas teachers and the school classroom were among the least influential. Few significant variations (ANOYA) by city and grade were detected. Study implications were related to focusing on teachers as neglected...

Characteristics and Opinions of Texas Hunters

A telephone survey of 3,081 Texas hunters was conducted after the 1981-1982 hunting season. The typical hunter was white, urban, middle aged (x =40, SD = 15 years), male, was a college graduate, had an average income of $28,150 (SD =$6,100), and held a white-collar job. The average age of hunting initiation was 14 (SD =8) years. Respondents hunted an average of 22 (SD = 14) years and learned about hunting mostly from experiences in Texas. Mixed bag hunting was the norm, but 75% hunted white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The recreation and sport associated with the hunt rather than...