A new survey shows 73 percent of those asked across the United States strongly or moderately approve of hunting while 12 percent have no opinion. The total is down from a high of 81 percent in 2021.
Groups with the highest approval rates include those living in the country (86 percent), males (85 percent), people in the Mountain West (83 percent) and Midwest (80 percent) regions, and residents of small cities and towns (78 percent).
Outlining the motivations of those who approve of hunting, respondents give high marks for filling the freezer. “For the meat” (81 percent) and “to get locally sourced food” (80 percent) rank first and second, respectively. Other positively viewed reasons include “for the conservation of healthy wildlife populations” (79 percent), “to protect humans from harm” (77 percent), “for wildlife management” (77 percent) and “to protect property” (74 percent). Middle-tier answers are “to spend time in nature (61 percent) and “to spend time with family and friends.” The bottom three responses are “for the sport” (51 percent), “for the challenge” (45 percent) and “for a trophy” (32 percent).
As for specific wildlife that is hunted, respondents approve of species like deer and wild turkey, followed by rabbit, duck, elk, squirrel and alligator. Strong or moderate disapproval jumped to 40 percent for black bears, followed by grizzlies, mourning doves and wolves.
Survey results also show 74 percent of those surveyed strongly or moderately approve of recreational shooting while 11 percent neither approve nor disapprove.
Responsive Management conducted the survey for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)