Craig A. Miller
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Network
Latest external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.
Publication
Featured researches published by Craig A. Miller.
Leisure Sciences | 2000
Craig A. Miller; Alan R. Graefe
Recreation specialization was examined among a sample of Pennsylvania resident hunters who hunted in the 1992?1993 hunting season. Using Iterative Proportional Fitting to define hunting activity, hunters were assigned to one of seven hunting activities based on days of participation. A 12-page questionnaire was completed by 1,006 hunters (representing a 78% response rate). The dimensions used to define recreation specialization were participation, skill, lifestyle, and equipment. Levenes test for homogeneity and a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted to determine differences in degree and range of specialization for hunters in the seven activities. Results indicated that both degree and range of specialization varied significantly across the different types of hunting activities, which supports Bryans (1979) hypothesis that differences in degree and range of specialization can be found in specific types of recreation under a larger activity heading. A hierarchy of hunting subactivities by specialization is provided.Recreation specialization was examined among a sample of Pennsylvania resident hunters who hunted in the 1992?1993 hunting season. Using Iterative Proportional Fitting to define hunting activity, hunters were assigned to one of seven hunting activities based on days of participation. A 12-page questionnaire was completed by 1,006 hunters (representing a 78% response rate). The dimensions used to define recreation specialization were participation, skill, lifestyle, and equipment. Levenes test for homogeneity and a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted to determine differences in degree and range of specialization for hunters in the seven activities. Results indicated that both degree and range of specialization varied significantly across the different types of hunting activities, which supports Bryans (1979) hypothesis that differences in degree and range of specialization can be found in specific types of recreation under a larger activity heading. A hierarchy of hunting subactivities by...
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2009
Joshua D. Agee; Craig A. Miller
We surveyed homeowners in four counties of central Georgia to determine acceptance of management practices for black bears (Ursus americanus), including lethal control and trapping and relocating bears in urban settings. Most homeowners did not view bears as a perceived threat and valued their existence. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of age, gender, hunting participation, existence value orientation, and perceived threat from bears on lethal control and trapping/relocating management actions. Perceived threat and gender were significant in determining acceptance of lethal control of bears captured in urban areas and for bears that caused repeat problems; gender was negatively associated with acceptance of lethal control. Hunting participation had a negative contribution; hunters were less likely to perceive lethal control as acceptable. This study illustrates the complexity understanding public support for managing black bears.
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2001
Craig A. Miller; Alan R. Graefe
This study examined effects of harvest and subjective evaluations of the states deer herd on hunter satisfaction with white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) management in Pennsylvania. Hunters were classified as rifle, archery, or muzzleloader through a probability model based on prior experience. Backward hierarchical log-linear analysis was used to model satisfaction with deer management for the three groups. Successfully harvesting deer was significant in predicting satisfaction with deer management among the three hunting groups. Different models explained satisfaction for each type of deer hunter. Harvest was a main effect for archery and a partial-order effect for rifle and muzzleloader deer hunters. Harvest success was directly related to satisfaction with management for archery deer hunters. In the rifle deer-hunter model, harvest success was associated with perception of balanced harvest, which was related to satisfaction with deer management. Harvest success was associated with perceptions of herd size and seeing deer in the muzzleloader model, and seeing deer directly related to satisfaction with deer management. Differing relationships between harvest success and satisfaction with management for different types of hunters may offer understanding into hunter opposition to management programs.
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2003
Craig A. Miller
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) found in wild and captive cervids (white-tailed deer, elk, and mule deer). CWD causes a mutation in protein composition, resulting in cavitations in the brain tissue. The disease is diagnosed by the presence of prions in oral (sublingual) glands. Little is known about the origin, transmission, or incubation of the disease, nor the manner in which prions affect proteins. Deer infected with the disease do not necessarily exhibit outward symptoms early in the infection. In the late stages, however, the animal loses motor functions and becomes disoriented. The disease takes approximately 15 months to reach the late stage and is always fatal. It is not known to cross the species barrier to infect humans. CWD first appeared in wild white-tailed deer in south-central Wisconsin during February 2002 and northern Illinois during November 2002, two weeks prior to the opening of the first of two firearm deer seasons in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) was interested in possible changes in hunter behavior in northern Illinois counties given the presence of CWD in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. During the two-week period of this study, the number of cases of CWD in Illinois rose from one to seven. A telephone survey was conducted using a random sample of 500 firearm deer permit holders selected from seven counties in northern Illinois: Boone, De Kalb, Jo Davies, McHenry, Ogle, Stevenson, and Winnebago. Hunters were called during the weeks of December 2 and December 9, 2002. Of the 336 hunters contacted, 249 (74%) agreed to participate in the survey. Each individual completed 17 questions regarding their sources of information about CWD, perceived
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2004
Craig A. Miller
The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Illinois at the beginning of November 2002 preceded the firearm deer hunting season by two weeks. The single case was found in Boone County near the Wisconsin border. A mail survey of Illinois deer hunters was conducted during spring 2003 to examine the impact of CWD on their attitudes and behavior. The goal was to provide baseline information for future studies should the prevalence and distribution of the disease increase in the state. At the time of this writing, more than 60 deer had tested positive for CWD in 4 counties in north central Illinois. The mail survey obtained data from a random sample of Illinois deer hunters. Participants were mailed a 15-page survey, cover letter, and stamped return envelope. Three survey mailings were conducted. Responses were stratified by the county in which each participant hunted and were categorized into one of four groups: (1) counties in which deer tested positive for CWD (i.e., CWD counties), (2) counties adjacent (i.e., shared border) to CWD counties, (3) two counties away from CWD counties, and (4) all other areas of the state. In total, 2,683 surveys were completed and returned (79% response rate). Most hunters (89%) reported that they participated in the 2002 Illinois firearm deer season; 61% indicated that they hunted during the archery season and 20% hunted during the muzzleloader season. A slightly higher proportion (14%) of hunters in the CWD counties reported that they did not hunt during the 2002 firearm deer season. A majority of hunters (54%) believed that a degree of uncertainty exists in the possibility of humans contracting CWD. About one in five hunters felt that CWD was a risk to deer, but not to humans. Only 17% of hunters believed that CWD could potentially infect humans who consumed meat from infected animals and 10% felt that the threat of CWD had been exaggerated.
Urban Ecosystems | 2005
Stephen DeStefano; Robert D. Deblinger; Craig A. Miller
The United States, as well as most developed and many developing nations worldwide, is becoming increasingly urban and suburban.Although urban, suburban, and commercial development account for less than one percent to just over 20% of land use among states, 50–90% of the residents of those states can be classified as urban or suburban dwellers. The population of the U.S. as a whole has risen from being > 95% rural in the 1790s to about 80% urban-suburban today. With these changes in land use and demographic patterns come changes in values and attitudes; many urbanites and suburbanites view wildlife and nature differently than rural residents. These are among the challenges faced by wildlife biologists and natural resource managers in a rapidly urbanizing world. In 2003, we convened a symposium to discuss issues related to suburban wildlife. The papers presented in this special issue of Urban Ecosystems address the lessons learned from the early and recently rapidly expanding literature, the challenges we face today, and the opportunities that can help deal with what is one of the biggest challenges to conservation in a modernizing world.
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2005
Jay Beaman; Jerry J. Vaske; Craig A. Miller
Sending hunting activity record-cards prior to a hunting season has been recommended as a methodology for reducing digit preference (heaps on numbers ending in 0 and 5) and improving the accuracy of participation and harvest estimates derived from survey responses. This article examines the extent to which record-cards influence the number of 0–5 responses and contributes to changes in mean days of duck hunting and harvest. Data were obtained from the 1999–2000 Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey. Approximately half of the respondents (n = 1,717, response rate = 72%) were mailed the preseason record-card; the other half of the sample (n = 1,430, response rate = 61%) were not mailed the record-card. Record-card recipients reported less 0–5 heaping, but excessive 0–5 heaping explained only 20% or less of the change in means. Changes in mean estimates were primarily the result of more reporting of low days of participation and harvest by record-card recipients. Sending out record-cards prompted more individuals in a sample with low days of participation and low harvest to become respondents. Given that record-cards are relatively inexpensive, the authors encourage state fish and wildlife agencies to adopt this methodology.
Photochemistry and Photobiology | 2001
Rhian B. Cope; David L. Fabacher; Camilla Lieske; Craig A. Miller
Abstract The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the most northerly distributed of its Neotropical genus. This lizard avoids a winter hibernation phase by the use of sun basking behaviors. Inevitably, this species is exposed to high doses of ambient solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Increases in terrestrial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation secondary to stratospheric ozone depletion and habitat perturbation potentially place this species at risk of UVR-induced immunosuppression. Daily exposure to subinflammatory UVR (8 kJ/m2/day UV-B, 85 kJ/m2/day ultraviolet A [UV-A]), 6 days per week for 4 weeks (total cumulative doses of 192 kJ/m2 UV-B, 2.04 × 103 kJ/m2 UV-A) did not suppress the anoles acute or delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to horseshoe crab hemocyanin. In comparison with the available literature UV-B doses as low as 0.1 and 15.9 kJ/m2 induced suppression of DTH responses in mice and humans, respectively. Exposure of anoles to UVR did not result in the inhibition of ex vivo splenocyte phagocytosis of fluorescein labeled Escherichia coli or ex vivo splenocyte nitric oxide production. Doses of UV-B ranging from 0.35 to 45 kJ/m2 have been reported to suppress murine splenic/peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and nitric oxide production. These preliminary studies demonstrate the resistance of green anoles to UVR-induced immunosuppression. Methanol extracts of anole skin contained two peaks in the ultraviolet wavelength range that could be indicative of photoprotective substances. However, the resistance of green anoles to UVR is probably not completely attributable to absorption by UVR photoprotective substances in the skin but more likely results from a combination of other factors including absorption by the cutis and absorption and reflectance by various components of the dermis.
Archive | 2007
Stephen P. Faulkner; Jim L. Chambers; William H. Conner; Richard F. Keim; John W. Day; Emile S. Gardiner; Melinda S. Hughes; Sammy L. King; Kenneth W. McLeod; Craig A. Miller; J. Andrew Nyman; Gary P. Shaffer
U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70506 School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Ag Center, Renewable Natural Resources Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, PO Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442 Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences and Coastal Ecology Institute, School of the Coast & Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, USDA-Forest Service Southern Hardwoods Laboratory, PO Box 227, Stoneville, MS 38776 USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Louisiana State University Ag Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802 Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Box 10736, Hammond, LA 70402
Human Dimensions of Wildlife | 2015
Erin E. Harper; Craig A. Miller; Jerry J. Vaske
Management to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in northern Illinois includes a controversial sharpshooting program. A mail survey of northern Illinois deer hunters was conducted (n = 3,391, response rate = 58%) to examine support or opposition toward this program, and factors contributing to these reactions. Logistic regression revealed that support for sharpshooting was statistically greater when: (a) respondents trusted the agency’s (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) management of CWD, and (b) perceived risks of CWD to both personal health and deer health increased. Support for sharpshooting was less when hunters trusted CWD information provided by the agency. This regression model predicted 72% of hunter opposition to the program and 74% of support. Log-linear analysis showed that trust and risk interacted in their effects on support or opposition toward sharpshooting. Findings supported past research examining social trust and risk perceptions in predicting other cognitions associated with CWD.