Understanding how people use public-access lands doesn't stop at the parking lot. Infrastructure such as parking areas and habitat conditions within a field can affect the hunting experience, but how? We have been working with pheasant hunters to better understand how access to a field affects where they spend time hunting. The map to the right shows that pheasant hunters on this field in Southwest Nebraska spent more time hunting near the parking area (star) and trail (dashes), while there were large areas of the field where hunters never walked.
Are you hunting pheasants in Southwest Nebraska this year?
You can be a part of our study!
Hello upland hunters! My name is Lyndsie Wszola. I'm a wildlife grad student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My master's project addresses how hunters move through landscapes when hunting public lands. I'm looking for hunters to carry small wrist based GPS units while pheasant hunting on public lands in Southwestern Nebraska (Hitchcock, Hayes, and Red Willow counties). The wristbands will record location and heart rate data that we will use to improve pheasant management and hunting opportunities in Nebraska. All data is kept completely anonymous. We will never ask you for any personal information beyond your contact information, which we will immediately dispose of after your participation in the study. If you're planning a trip to SW Nebraska this season and would be interested, or just want to learn more about my study, contact us. Click below to participate in our study:
Please note that if you choose to participate in the study, you are free to stop participating at any time without harming your relationship with the researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, or Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. You have the right to ask questions about this study, and to have those questions answered. If I can’t answer those questions, I will refer you to the lead project investigator, Dr. Joseph Fontaine (402-472-0339). If you have questions about your rights regarding this study, you are free to contact the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institutional Review Board at (402) 472-6965. Your participation in this study is voluntary, and you are free to decline to participate in any and all parts of the study. There are no known direct risks or benefits to your participation and all results will be reported in aggregate.
Thanks, and good luck to everyone this season!
