Stakeholders perspectives on sport hunting, conservation, and ecosystem sustainability in British Columbia, Canada

Hunting as a wildlife conservation tool has been the centre of much debate as climate change, the decline of carnivores, and increased pressure from human encroachment threaten wildlife species globally. There has also been increases in the popularity of sport hunting and heightened editorial coverage of conservation stories. This has led to polarizing views on hunting for wildlife management. This thesis takes a critical look at these issues from the perspective of hunting stakeholders. The objective was to emphasize the importance of acknowledging diverse stakeholders in these discussions as they have unique knowledge of land and wildlife systems that are integral to sustainability. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology was utilized in order to access the complex relationships within the hunting industry. This methodology enabled the effective engagement of hunting communities in order to identify their key concerns and recognize the knowledge and abilities of participants. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with resident hunters, conservation officers, wildlife biologists, guide outfitters, hunting suppliers, and Indigenous hunters. Topics of stereotyping, sustainability, inclusion, stakeholder relationships, and the power of social influence within the hunting industry were investigated. The findings were divided into four distinct chapters. Chapter one identifies the current gaps in literature that exist regarding hunting and wildlife management as well as provides an overview of the methodology utilized. Chapter two, establishes an overview of B.C.’s hunting industry from the perspective of resident hunters. There is specific focus on the lack of consultation of stakeholders in decision-making and policy development and stereotypes created in the media. In the third chapter, the complexity of relationships between humans, wildlife, and contemporary stakeholders within B.C.’s hunting industry are examined. Additionally, the role of humans within ecosystem structures are contemplated by the participants. How contemporary issues associated with hunting in B.C. relate to larger concerns regarding land-use within the province are discussed in the final chapter. This research provides insight into the current state of the hunting industry, hunting’s role in wildlife management, and the sensitive needs of stakeholders in their efforts to promote the health and conservation of wildlife populations. The results inform inclusive policies that balance the needs of local peoples, communities, and ecosystem conservation. The findings also educate the general public on the role of hunting in B.C. in an effort to produce solutions that ensure the long-term health of both regional ecosystems and hunting economies within the province. This research contributes to the further development of sustainable sport hunting and conservation economies as well as to the broader discussions surrounding land use in the province. As climate change, ongoing land-use conflicts, natural resource extraction, and the expansion of the global human population threaten ecosystems, leaders are facing a growing dilemma around how to balance sustainable use of B.C. lands while supporting provincials and federal economies. Amidst this crisis, it is even more imperative to consider stakeholders in decision-making processes because their unique perspectives on wildlife and ecosystems, could be critical to evaluate and eventually determine the future of provincial land-use management.