Constraints, psychological investment, and hunting participation: Development and testing of a model

Abstract

This study sought to gain a better understanding of hunting participation through the development and testing of a conceptual model. The model examined participation (retention) in the context of rifle deer hunting in Colorado by state residents and nonresidents. Participation was hypothesized to be directly associated with people's level of investment, level of constraints, past experience, and behavioral intention. The proposed model was loosely based on the theory of reasoned action. Beliefs about the potentially negative impacts of new hunting regulations, and attitude toward rifle deer hunting in Colorado were the other components included in the model. Results indicated that for both Colorado residents and nonresidents, past experience was found to increase the probability of participation in rifle deer hunting in 1993. In addition, as perception of constraints increased, the probability of participation for both residents and nonresidents decreased. For nonresidents, increased level of investment and behavioral intention also increased the probability of participation. The independent effects of investment and constraints on participation, beyond that mediated by behavioral intention, may indicate a potential counterbalance between these two components in the decision to hunt. For example, people who are highly invested may participate in hunting, even in the face of increasing constraints, for reasons that go beyond the fulfillment of outcomes. The study results provide information on factors associated with continued hunting participation and may help in understanding participation shifts.

Keywords:

• constraints
• investment
• trends in hunting participation