Hunters and Non-hunters Chronic Wasting Disease Risk Perceptions over Time

Abstract

We examined risk perceptions of chronic wasting disease (CWD) over time (2004 vs. 2012), and among hunters and non-hunters. Data were obtained from two mailed surveys in 2004 that included random samples of hunters (n = 1879) and non-hunters (n = 1122). We conducted two additional mail surveys in 2012 that also included random samples of hunters (n = 3391) and non-hunters (n = 1615). Based on the psychometric paradigm, we hypothesized that CWD risk perceptions will: (1) decline over time (2004 vs. 2012, Hypothesis 1), and (2) be higher for hunters than non-hunters (Hypothesis 2). We also predicted that study year (2004 vs. 2012) and sample (hunters vs. non-hunters) will interact (Hypothesis 3). Results supported hypothesis 1; CWD risk perceptions declined over time. Hypothesis 2 was also supported as hunters reported higher risk perceptions than non-hunters. Year and sample interacted to influence perceived risk; supporting hypothesis 3.