Institutional trust, beliefs, and evaluation of regulations, and management of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schroeder, Susan A.; Landon, Adam C.; Cornicelli, Louis; Fulton, David C.; McInenly, Leslie
• Is Part Of: Human dimensions of wildlife. Volume 26:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) -- information -- institutional trust -- management -- regulations; Wildlife management -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Fishery management -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.95405
• DOI: 10.1080/10871209.2020.1808915
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-1209

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Institutional trust and perceptions of regulatory efficacy can affect support for management. This study examined how institutional trust, specific trust related to information/management, and support for/perceived efficacy of current regulations related to deer hunters' attitudes about chronic wasting disease (CWD) management. Results are from a survey of southeastern Minnesota deer hunters from the 2018 season, and suggest acceptance of agency management by a majority of hunters. However, a substantial minority of hunters who perceived the management approach was "too aggressive" believed all CWD regulations were ineffective and opposed regulations other than mandatory disease testing and carcass movement restrictions. Results suggest that a lack of shared values, along with greater trust in agency CWD information and technical competence, correlated with perceiving the management approach as "too aggressive." Future research is needed to understand the contextual nature of trust and how different elements of trust relate to acceptability of management actions.