Predicting positive outcomes for waterfowl hunters and waterfront residents

Abstract

ABSTRACTSocial conflicts among wildlife stakeholders can suggest possible new directions for wildlife management, including opportunities to expand the base of stakeholders supporting active management. In response to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation information needs, we examined potential conflicts between waterfowl hunters and waterfront residents to understand their attitudes toward hunting along developed waterfronts and how spatial proximity was related to likelihood of waterfowl hunters’ experiences of harassment by waterfront residents. We sent mail‐back questionnaires to waterfowl hunters (n = 1,000) and waterfront residents (n = 1,000) near Lake Ontario in the greater‐Rochester area of New York, USA. We identified factors predicting acceptance of waterfowl hunting along developed waterfronts. Waterfront residents who knew waterfowl hunters were more supportive of waterfowl hunting than residents who did not know hunters. Hunters who hunted closer to occupied dwellings (e.g., waterfront homes) were more likely to experience harassment from residents than hunters who hunted farther away. Educational communication and policies that address public access, safety, safe distance of hunting from homes, and rules and regulations relating to waterfowl hunting are needed for acceptance of waterfowl hunting along developed waterfronts. Non‐hunters who accept hunting activities have the potential to positively affect wildlife management by expanding the base of involved, supportive stakeholders. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.