The Influence of Vision, Alcohol, and Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics on the Decision Making Ability of Wisconsin Hunters

Abstract

The decision-making ability of more than 800 Wisconsin hunters aged 18 and older was measured by the Duelatron target system at 12 sites in Wisconsin from November 1976 to October 1977. The target scores were compared to selected socio-demographic characteristics, hunting background, alcohol use while hunting, opinions regarding a required vision test for hunters, and 13 visual skills measured by the Telebinocular visual survey machine. In addition, blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 87 subjects who had been drinking prior to the target and vision tests were measured by the Breathalyzer, a breath alcohol instrument, and compared to target scores. Visual deficiencies which significantly affected target scores were acuity, depth perception, and color perception, although, for all visual skills, the target scores of those with a deficiency were consistently lower than the scores of those with a satisfactory skill. Approximately 80 percent of those questioned replied that a vision test should be required of hunters. The target scores of the subjects who had been consuming alcohol prior to the target test were significantly lower than the scores of the sober subjects. As the BAC increased, target scores dropped. One out of six hunters interviewed reported that they drink while hunting, and almost 30 percent of these drank to fit socially into their hunting party. Less than four percent believed that alcohol improved their accuracy, and less than two percent thought it improved their decision-making ability in hunting. The socio-demographic characteristics which were significantly related to target scores were age, size of community lived in before age 18 and lived in now, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) field district lived in, weapon ownership, sportsclub membership, yearly hunting frequency, and years of hunting experience. Wisconsin hunters between the ages of 26 to 40, who either grew up or presently live in a rural area, who belong to a sportsclub, hunt frequently in a year, and have hunted for 11 to 20 years had the highest target scores. Graduates of the WDNR hunter safety course between the ages of 12 and 18 had significantly higher target scores than non-graduates of the same age group. The graduates 18 years and older, however, did not score significantly higher than their non-graduate counterparts. The visual skills and alcohol use of Wisconsin hunters must be considered in accidents and when assessing the image of the hunter today. The hunters who make poor decisions must be identified and given special instruction so they do not negatively affect the future of the sport.