Crowding, Public Image, and Bureaucracy: Issues in the Montana Outfitting Industry

Authors

  • Stephen L Eliason Montana State University Billings

Abstract

Outfitters provide guiding services to individuals for their hunting and fishing experiences. Little is known about the individuals employed in this industry and the issues they must contend with. This research took a qualitative approach to data collection and identified issues in the Montana outfitting industry. Data were obtained from a statewide mail survey of licensed outfitters. Analysis revealed four major issues affecting the outfitting industry in Montana. These issues included negative public perceptions of outfitters, strained relations with resident sportsmen, overregulation of the outfitting industry, and problems associated with too many outfitters working in the state. Keywords: fishing, guiding, hunting, Montana, natural resources, outdoor recreation, outfitters

Author Biography

Stephen L Eliason, Montana State University Billings

Stephen L. Eliason is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Montana State University Billings where he teaches courses in sociology and criminal justice. He earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in sociology at Utah State University, and received his Ph.D. in sociology at Oklahoma State University. His research interests include the study of poaching, wildlife law enforcement, and those employed in hunting related occupations.

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Published

2012-07-30

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.