New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is partnering with the Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) at Cornell University on a survey of roughly 1,800 randomly-selected black bear hunters to learn more about their activities, interests and opinions related to black bear hunting in New York. Hunters who receive the survey are encouraged to respond. Collecting information from hunters helps DEC understand how current regulations affect hunter satisfaction and management capacity.
This survey follows a broader survey of landowners across New York, in which DEC sought input about public attitudes and experiences with black bears, as well as public desires for future bear population change. A final report of that survey is now available (Understanding Local Resident’s Bear Population Preferences). Together, these two surveys will help DEC biologists appropriately manage black bears for the benefit and enjoyment of all New Yorkers.
Please direct all questions about the survey to CCSS at (607) 255-2828 or wfs1@cornell.edu. Please direct all questions about the black bear management program to (518) 402-8883 or: wildlife@dec.ny.gov. For more information, visit the DEC website on Black Bear and read the “New York State Black Bear Management Plan.”
