Hunting strategies employed by bird hunters with economic pursuit in the city of Guiyang, Southwest China

Understanding hunter motivations and strategies is of particular importance in regions fraught with wildlife hunting, due to the critical hunter's role in linking wildlife supply and consumption. However, such information is extremely scarce in China despite the worrisome situation of wildlife hunting. This study documents the techniques, motivations and hunting frequencies of bird hunters who have economic interests in the city of Guiyang, Southwest China, where numerous wild birds have been observed in trade. The data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires given to 50 hunters in a public market between March and July 2015. At least 9 kinds of tools and 10 kinds of techniques have been employed in local bird hunting practices. Up to eight factors have stimulated the collection of wild birds, of which commercial benefit was undoubtedly the most important. Hunting activities were conducted throughout the year, and efficient and low-cost hunting techniques, such as hunting with nets and neck snares were the predominant hunting techniques. The use of bait birds, whistles and bird song recordings was common, with the aim of improving the harvest by finding and attracting target species, highlighting a preference for hunting certain species of birds. The various hunting motivations underscore the complexity of the current hunting issue. Conservation management was discussed by considering the hunting strategies employed and the needs of hunters, as well as the market demand, which highlights the necessity of the combined actions of law enforcement, commercial breeding, social welfare, the development of hunting grounds and environmental education.