Our lab ensures that science-based information is disseminated and delivered to serve a diversity of conservation stakeholders.
We see waterfowl hunters and birders (i.e., waterfowl enthusiasts) as a diverse group with a common goal. Through science-based human dimensions research and general wildlife outreach, we aim to unify waterfowl enthusiasts under their common goals. We seek areas of common ground rather than focusing on differences to leverage individual organization support. We see these types of separatist leveraging attempts as divisive and destructive to long-term conservation successes. Our lab has hunters, birders, hunter-birders, and birder-hunters. We are proud of our diversity and common goal. We think it provides students with a representation of the real-world; we encourage productive debate about the role of hunting and birding towards conservation. In New York, waterfowl enthusiasts are 4–5 times more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors such as conservation policy support, promotion of public land enhancement, and participation in environmental groups relative to non-recreationists. Nationally, 1.5 million waterfowl hunters spend nearly $1.4 billion annually (USFWS 2015) and an intensive study in Mississippi estimated the annual total economic impact of waterfowl hunting in that state was $86.6 million (2009 USD; Grado et al. 2011). For trips away-from-home, the most watched type of bird is waterfowl (USFWS 2013). An estimated 47 million birdwatchers in the United States, spent about $41 billion in total trip and equipment expenditures which supported 666,000 jobs (USFWS 2013). |
InformPopular articles are critical to engaging the public and garnering their support for our science program.
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Volunteer
Volunteering with conservation groups is vital to developing communication skills and networking with professionals.
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EducateWe take advantage of opportunities to educate the public on conservation issues. Public goose banding events are perfect venues to engage the public to teach them about wildlife conservation and the role of hunting.
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