Specialization and differences in setting preferences among wildlife viewers

Abstract

We asked nonresident visitors to Montana about their preferences for wildlife‐viewing settings. Subjects were classified into three groups based on a measure of wildlife‐viewing specialization. Specialists have greater interest in “lower profile”; wildlife species than do Novices. Seeing upland game birds, birds of prey, and songbirds was desired by many more people in all three segments than were successful at observing these wildlife. Specialist viewers were more likely to hike self‐guided viewing trails and read signs along trails than Novices. Novices were more interested in facility developments at wildlife‐viewing sites than were Specialists, but Specialists showed strong support for trails and interpretive efforts. There was widespread agreement among the groups on the most useful types of information. Our results support the idea that recreation specialization is a useful tool for segmenting recreationists. By recognizing segments and understanding their preferences, managers can produce the best fit between resource opportunities and people.

Keywords:

• Specialization
• wildlife viewing