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- Info
Preferences of suburban landowners for deer management techniques: A step towards better communication
| Author: |
Stout, Rebecca J.; Knuth, Barbara A.; Curtis, Paul D. |
| Date: |
1997 |
| Periodical: |
Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Abstract: |
We assessed (1) relationships between preferences for deer population size and management techniques, and the underlying attitudes associated with these techniques; and (2) opinion changes of suburban landowners about deer and deer management after implementing a communication plan that relied on a modified Citizen Task Force approach in greater Rochester, New York. We mailed questionnaires and received responses from residential property owners (n = 795) within 3 strata representing areas of relatively high, moderate, and low deer densities, before and after implementing a communication plan. As a result, little change was detected in deer management preferences. Respondents opposed firearms-hunting and preferred (1) trapping and removing deer either to release at another location or a venison farm, and (2) research supporting contraception. We detected trends reflecting value-prioritization associated with an ethical reluctance to kill deer versus the risk deer pose to the health and safety of people. |
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