Michigan Hunter Education Instructors’ Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge toward Environmental and Ecological Systems

Abstract

Michigan Hunter Education Instructors’ Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge toward Environmental and Ecological Systems Michael W. Everett, Matt R. Raven Abstract Departments of natural resources are stressed to adapt to meet current societal and management pressures of the 21st century and ensure the long-term viability of wildlife and wildlife management for future populations. Michigan has gained an elite reputation as a national leader for abundant fishing and hunting opportunities. While the necessary skill-sets and knowledge are changing for new hunters, little research exists on Michigan Hunter Education (MHE) Instructors and their beliefs and knowledge about the environment and ecosystems as it relates to educating future hunters. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of environmental and ecological systems among a subset of MHE instructors. The survey measured demographics and Michigan Hunter Education instructor ecological world view as defined by the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) at the 2015 MHE Academy. This was a descriptive/correlational research study. Socio-demographic variables had limited effect on relationships between environmental concerns and attitudes toward management of ecosystems. Further, MHEinstructors held an anthropocentric worldview and an alternative ecological paradigm.However, there were strong correlations between MHE instructors NEP scores and Scale Items related to understanding the: (a) Reality of limits to growth, (b) Possibility of eco-crisis, and (c) Fragility of nature‟s balance. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v7n2a1