The hunting path leads back to humanity.

Many would say we are overly dependent on technology and modern conveniences, tethered to a digital and virtual world that imperils our connection to humanity. Hunting could be key to keeping that connection alive.

As Dr. Chris Webster, Professor of Qualitative Ecology at Michigan Technological University, sees it, “hunting” is part-and-parcel of our “sense of self,” for “it informs our interactions with wild places and wild things, and defines our code of ethics.” The 20th-century Conservationist Aldo Leopold coined this phenomenon “hereditary hunting fever” due to the many dynamic personal, social, and ecological aspects of hunting. 

But, “does hunting make us human or does it simply remind us [of] what it is to be human?” Despite searching for an answer, Dr. Webster notes that, “clearly, at its best, ethical, conscientious hunting has value to individuals and society.” Ultimately, he believes that “hunting will play a vital role in maintaining connections between people and the systems that support them.” 

This survey is being conducted by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies with funding provided by a Multistate State Conservation Grant (F26AP00464-00) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The purpose of this survey is to learn more about Americans’ attitudes toward legal, regulated hunting.

Please be assured that the information you provide in the survey is completely confidential and will never be associated with any personal information. Thank you in advance for your time and participation in this important research.

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