Posted: August 27, 2026
Hunters participating in Pennsylvania’s Deer Management Assistance Program, or DMAP, value the overall hunting experience more than simply harvesting deer, according to a new study led by researchers in the college.
Hunter carrying a rifle. Photo: Adobe Stock
Conducted in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the study explored hunter perceptions of DMAP, a program designed to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer populations that can damage forests and limit biodiversity. Researchers surveyed more than 2,100 hunters who purchased DMAP permits to hunt in Pennsylvania state forests in 2021.
Published in Forest Policy and Economics, the study found hunters gained significant value from their experiences, even after accounting for travel and hunting-related expenses. Researchers also found most participants preferred less crowded hunting areas and were motivated more by enjoyment, connection to nature, and the overall experience than by maximizing harvest numbers.
Melissa Kreye, associate professor of forest resources management, said the findings suggest wildlife managers should consider hunter satisfaction when designing deer-management programs to encourage participation and support healthier forests.
—Jeff Mulhollem
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