More than 4,000 Canadian hunters took a national conservation survey. The results are remarkable

As a hunter, angler and conservationist, I’ve seen the many ways in which hunters contribute to conservation, either individually or as members of clubs and organizations. Unfortunately, those efforts go largely unnoticed outside of hunting-conservation circles. So, as part of my recent master’s research at the University of Waterloo, I conducted a national opinion survey to explore how hunters in Canada contribute to conservation (see “Behind the survey”).

The reason for speaking to hunters directly about their views and experiences was threefold: to address information gaps and misunderstandings in existing academic literature about the role hunters play in conservation; to gain a deeper understanding of who hunters are in Canada; and to explore the potential of hunters being part of a more united and collaborative conservation agenda.

Broadly speaking, the survey results demonstrate most hunters consider themselves to be conservationists. They participate in numerous conservation activities that support all species and habitats, and engage in a range of nature-based outdoor activities. They also have valuable skills and knowledge to share, and feel it’s important for hunters to contribute to conservation.

Similar to other conservationists, hunters recognize the multiple threats to nature, and are willing to collaborate for conservation, the survey reveals. They also experience common barriers to participating even more, including time and monetary constraints, and seeing clear pathways to involvement.

At the same time as challenges to conservation are increasing, progress on conservation is fleeting, inconsistent and chronically underfunded on a national scale. I hope the results of this research are useful to people and organizations involved in both hunting and conservation, while also providing food for thought for non-hunting conservationists. If conservation in Canada is to see better results, after all, it’s important for all shades of green—including camo—to work together for the common cause. Here are the survey’s key findings.