Stephen L. Eliason

Illegal Hunting and Angling:The Neutralization of Wildlife Law Violations

This study provides a descriptive account of rationalizations for poaching used by wildlife law violators. There has been little research on motivations for poaching. This study uses qualitative data obtained from surveys and in-depth interviews with wildlife law violators and conservation officers in Kentucky to examine rationalizations used by wildlife law violators to excuse and justify participation in this type of illegal activity. Comments from conservation officers and violators revealed widespread use of rationalizations, with denial of responsibility being most common. The study also used claims of entitlement, defense of necessity, and denial of necessity of the law. Findings contribute to our knowledge of why people illegally take wildlife resources.

Factors influencing job satisfaction among state conservation officers

Purpose – The purpose of this research was to identify and describe factors associated with job satisfaction among conservation officers.Design/methodology/approach – The study took a qualitative approach to data collection that included a survey and 24 in‐depth interviews with Kentucky conservation officers. Data were examined with the intention of identifying common themes.Findings – Four categories associated with job satisfaction were identified: enjoyment of the outdoors, independence, job diversity/variety, and meeting people. The majority of conservation officers found their work very satisfying.Research limitations/implications – The results are not generalizable, given the qualitative nature of the research. To allow the generalizability of findings, future research should include quantitative measures that could specify how additional factors are related to job satisfaction among conservation officers, such as age, years of service, rank, and education. Future studies should also examine job sat...

Trophy Poaching: A Routine Activities Perspective

The poaching of trophy wildlife resources is a serious problem in the western United States. This study examined the trophy poaching phenomenon in Montana using a routine activities theoretical perspective. Using a qualitative approach to data collection, data on trophy poaching were obtained from state game wardens. Findings demonstrate how the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians presents opportunities for large quantities of trophy wildlife to be poached. The role played by outfitters and taxidermists in helping poachers acquire, preserve, and conceal illegally taken trophy wildlife is also described.

A Statewide Examination of Hunting and Trophy Nonhuman Animals: Perspectives of Montana Hunters

The purpose of this descriptive and exploratory study was to extend our understanding of the motivations for trophy hunting. Hunting is an important recreational activity and part of the culture in Montana. Placing specific emphasis on the importance of obtaining a trophy nonhuman animal when hunting, the study examined the attitudes of resident hunters and nonresident outfitter-sponsored hunters. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and developed 2 surveys that contained mostly open-ended questions. Results from 1000 surveys mailed to resident elk hunters and 1000 surveys mailed to nonresident outfitter-sponsored elk hunters indicated that nonresident outfitter-sponsored hunters were more likely than resident hunters to seek trophy-class animals. Respondents provided statements about the importance of obtaining trophy animals.

Wildlife Crime: Conservation Officers' Perceptions of Elusive Poachers

State conservation officers are law-enforcement agents responsible for enforcing fish and wildlife laws. An important aspect of their job is the identification and apprehension of poachers. This descriptive study sought to identify, from the perspective of conservation officers, the most elusive poachers. In order to elucidate the vagaries surrounding this type of illegal activity, Kentucky state conservation officers were asked to identify the most difficult type of poacher to apprehend, and a categorization of elusive poachers was created based on their responses. Categories included the back door hunter/poacher, the experienced/habitual poacher, the opportunist poacher, the trophy poacher, the poacher who mixes up his schedule, and the quiet one.

From the King's deer to a capitalist commodity: A social historical analysis of the poaching law

Laws prohibiting the illegal taking of wildlife resources have a long history. This research provides a social historical analysis of the poaching law over time. Using a critical Marxist theoretical perspective, it argues that poaching laws have gone through three phases that correspond to the respective level of societal industrialization and dominant social class interests of the time. Poaching laws in the preindustrial phase (prior to 1850) were used to protect game that belonged to elite members of society as well as to prevent social disruption and rebellion by the lower class. During the industrial era (1850–1950), game laws emerged in response to the efforts of elite sport hunters who advocated for conservation. Wildlife resources became increasingly commercialized in the postindustrial phase (1950 to the present), and state wildlife laws and policies are increasingly aligned with private property interests and reflect the growing commercial value placed on trophy wildlife. The analysis concludes by examining changes in Utahs big-game poaching laws.

Patrolling the peaks and the plains: an examination of big sky game wardens

Policing is a dangerous and sometimes deadly occupation. Given the remote areas patrolled as well as the presence of fewer officers, rural law enforcement officers face unique dangers on the job. Conservation law enforcement is one type of rural and specialized policing. The purpose of this study was to extend our understanding of the game warden occupation. Little research has been directed toward the study of game wardens and the dangers they encounter on the job. This research took a qualitative approach to data collection and examined dangers and occupational hazards faced by state game wardens in Montana. Causes of game warden deaths in the state were also identified. The findings suggest game wardens in Montana encounter several distinct dangers when performing their jobs, including humans, motor vehicles, and environmental factors. Game wardens receive training that helps them minimize the risk of assault on the job.

Motivations for Becoming an Outfitter in Big Sky Country

Montana is a popular destination for those interested in outdoor recreation activities, including hunting and fishing. Outfitters located throughout the state provide guiding services to hunters and anglers. Empirical research on the outfitting industry in the United States is scant, and little is known about outfitter motivations, including why they entered this occupation. This study took a qualitative approach to data collection and examined outfitter motivations for choosing this line of work. Five main reasons given for becoming an outfitter included love of the outdoors and a desire to help others enjoy it, to engage in a livelihood doing something they enjoy, independence and a desire to operate their own business, to earn extra income and a poor state economy, and the family nature of the business. Findings contribute to a better understanding of what it is like being an outfitter in Montana.

Game warden perceptions of change in conservation law enforcement

Game wardens are responsible for protecting natural resources by enforcing fish and wildlife laws. Mounting evidence suggests they may be assuming traditional police duties that leave them with less time for wildlife law enforcement activities. In an effort to understand the situation better, this exploratory study took a qualitative approach to data collection and examined the perceptions of game wardens toward the work they perform. While the results were mixed, the majority of wardens in the study indicated that their duties were expanding. Findings provide support for the idea that conservation law enforcement is becoming more like traditional policing.

Reconstructing Dead Nonhuman Animals: Motivations for Becoming a Taxidermist

Abstract Displays of dead nonhuman animals are a common sight on the walls of many American homes and commercial establishments. Taxidermists are the individuals who preserve and attempt to re-create dead animals, birds, and fish so they can be displayed. Little is known about those employed in the profession, including characteristics of individuals who enter this line of work. Using a qualitative approach to data collection, this exploratory research examined motivations for becoming a taxidermist in Montana. Findings suggest that Montana taxidermists entered the profession for one of five main reasons: an interest in wildlife, a desire to mount their own trophies, a hobby that became a job, the necessity of changing jobs, and miscellaneous motivations.