Public attitudes, wildlife, and recreation management in Pusch Ridge Wilderness, Arizona

Abstract

I present model for incorporating public attitudes in wildlife management involving desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Pusch Ridge Wilderness (PRW), Arizona. I conducted a mail survey on 4 user-groups including. The Access Fund (TAF), La Reserve Homeowners Association (LRH), Southern Arizona Hiking Club (SAHC), and white-tailed deer hunters (WTH). Support for translocating sheep into PRW ranged from 59%-80%. Support for banning dogs from PRW to reduce stress to bighorn sheep ranged from 49%-79%. A majority (53%-66%) of each user-group, except WTH supported seasonal closures during lambing season to reduce stress to bighorn sheep. A majority of each user-group (60%-74%) supported using prescribed fires to reduce wildfire hazards and improve habitat for sheep. This information will help agencies develop goals and objectives for bighorn sheep and recreation management in PRW.