From moose, black bears and elk to small mammals, waterfowl and songbirds, Michigan is home to a plethora of all shapes and sizes of animals. It is also home to more than 10 million residents, the majority of which recognize hunting and the role it plays in conservation.
A new survey conducted by Responsive Management shows 75 percent of residents agree that hunting is an important wildlife management tool, and 64 percent agree that hunters and anglers are concerned about protecting wildlife.
That approval is even higher thanks to an outreach effort called the Michigan Wildlife Council, which was created in 2013. It introduced a $1 surcharge on all Michigan hunting and fishing licenses to fund a comprehensive media-based public information program promoting the role of hunters and anglers in conservation and educating the public about the benefits of hunting and fishing.
Among residents who saw or heard messages from the Michigan Wildlife Council in the previous six months, approval of legal, regulated hunting rose to 82 percent, compared to 70 percent among those who had not seen the messages. Similarly, approval of fishing reached 91 percent among those familiar with Council messaging, compared to 79 percent among those not aware of the messages.
These results highlight the impact of proactive communications that help people better understand how hunting and fishing support Michigan’s natural resources, economy and outdoor traditions. At a time when many states are facing challenges maintaining public support for hunting and fishing, Michigan’s experience demonstrates the power of strategic outreach based on a solid foundation of data.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
(Photo credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
