Roger Faust | Geology Reports

USGS2026

Estimating temporal (2019–2025) and regional effects on Minnesotans' attitudes toward wolf hunting

Public attitudes toward wolf hunting are important for developing socially responsive wolf management policy. Drawing on two representative surveys of state residents, this study examined change in Minnesotans' (USA) support for wolf hunting in 2019 and 2025. We found that slight opposition to hunting at the state level remained stable between these years. For the year 2025 we compared support for wolf hunting among residents of a large metropolitan area and residents of non-metropolitan areas both inside and outside of wolf range. There was, on average, slight opposition to wolf hunting among residents in the large metropolitan area, and slight support for wolf hunting in non-metropolitan areas. Similar levels of support among non-metropolitan residents inside and outside wolf range suggest that urban-rural differences may matter more than direct proximity to wolves in shaping attitudes toward wolf hunting.

Minnesota↗

USGS2025

A community-based research approach to develop Chronic Wasting Disease outreach with Tribal communities

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal and contagious neurological disease of cervid populations across North America. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders are necessary to minimize CWD prevalence, spread, and impacts on animal and human health and well-being. However, critical information related to CWD epidemiology, management, and animal and human health risks was not effectively reaching Tribal Nations and their members. To understand these gaps and specific information needs and ensure meaningful participation in CWD management and control efforts, university researchers and Tribal members partnered to conduct semi-structured interviews that focused on deer hunting and the perceived impacts of CWD on Tribal communities. Interviews provided insights into information preferences, knowledge gaps, and perspectives on CWD, revealing a strong sense of responsibility toward deer and the environment. From this collaborative approach, we can create culturally tailored educational resources that address CWD concerns and align with Tribal values.

Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin↗