In this feature episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice, host Fred Bird sits down with Mark Damian Duda, founder and executive director of Responsive Management, to reflect on a recent New England turkey hunt the two shared and dive deep into the human dimensions of wildlife conservation. They explore the vital role that hunters play in conservation funding, the public’s changing attitudes toward hunting, and how research-based communication strategies can shift perceptions and build stronger public support. From demographic trends to the importance of wildlife councils, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of hunting and conservation in America. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, a wildlife advocate, or simply curious about how legal, regulated hunting contributes to conservation, this conversation delivers valuable insight backed by decades of public opinion research.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Non-Hunter Perspectives: How have demographic shifts in the United States affected how people view the natural world and our place in it? Find out about Mark’s groundbreaking research.
- Public Support Of Hunting: Has it declined? What steps can hunters and sportsmen and women take to recover the public perception of their lifestyle? Mark answers this and more.
- Responsive Management’s Research: Mark dives into the power of Responsive Management’s research in shaping effective outreach strategies, how demographic shifts are reshaping the future of hunting, why positive messaging and respectful language (e.g. “legal, regulated hunting”) resonate more with the public, and more.
