Hunting or Trapping

Hunting as a wildlife management tool has come under increasing attack by antihunting organizations, resulting in increased concern by fish and wildlife agencies across North America, many of whom fear that the scientific management of wildlife is in danger due to the influence of an uninformed public. This study of Manitoba (Canada) residents indicated support for hunting as wildlife management, for habitat preservation, and to maintain healthy animal populations. [Excerpted from published abstract].

A study conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who ate wild game killed with lead bullets appeared to have higher lead levels than those who ate little or no wild game.

This analysis of Animal Rights Information Education Services (ARIES) and National Animal Damage Control Association (NADCA) members found that both groups differ greatly on background and interests, as well their attitudes about human uses of animals. This study finds that attempts to bring these groups together for discussion should recognize that there is little common ground between the two and proceed accordingly.

This report provides a discussion of the key indicators for assessing animal welfare in New Zealand and the development of Codes of Welfare during 2007, with emphasis on issues relating to farmed animals and wildlife.

A large majority (83%) of "sportsmen" (hunters and anglers) say they will vote in the November 2008 U.S. presidential election, according to the lobbyist group, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. Nearly half of hunters and anglers (45%) are likely to vote for John McCain and 31% are likely to vote for Barack Obama. By a 2 to 1 margin, sportsmen said that McCain would be a better president on related issues than Obama.

Based on voluntary data provided by hunters, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources compiled squirrel hunting statistics for the 2005-06 season. Hunters killed an estimated 53% of all squirrels that were seen during the season.

This report summarizes results from Wave 1 of the Humane Research Council's "Animal Tracker" survey of U.S. adults regarding their attitudes and behavior toward animals. This inaugural survey of 16 core questions shows strong support for the protection of all animals. The strength of that support varies by situation and species, however, and actual behavior does not always reflect the favorable attitudes identified.

The interpretation of statistics may be misleading if not analyzed using comprehensive and standardized data. This article from the Coalition to Abolish Sport Hunting examines a handful of specific claims made in the fishing, hunting, and wildlife arenas.

In 2005, approximately three-fourths (73%) of permitted Wisconsin hunters and trappers reported hunting and trapping of bobcats during the 2005 season, with 45% of these saying that they successfully killed or trapped a bobcat. Only 3% of respondents said they later released the trapped bobcats.