Survey shows that folks in Michigan favor hunting more than they do hunters
Lansing — Citizens in Michigan are much more supportive of hunting and trapping than the general public in other states.
Fishing also gets an enthusiastic “thumbs up.”
Yet oddly – or maybe not so oddly – nonsportsmen and women here tend to be more supportive of those particular outdoor activities than they are of the hunters, trappers and anglers who participate in them.
These are just some of the findings of a survey commissioned by the Michigan Wildlife Council, whose role it is to market the essential economic and conservation benefits of “consumptive use” – another way to describe the harvest and taking of fish and wildlife – to the vast majority of Michigan residents who don’t hunt, fish or trap. Sportsmen fund this effort – Michigan Public Act No. 246 of 2013 requires DNR to use $1 from the sale of every hunting, fishing and trapping license to fund the council.
What was shared at the council’s Feb. 26 meeting were impacts of its 2025 marketing campaign. A presentation by Responsive Management, a top natural resources survey organization, summarized what was found when its team surveyed Michigan residents.
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For the most part, the survey results are very good news. Highlights include:
As mentioned, Michigan’s general public is much more supportive of hunting and trapping than the public in other states. In fact, about 75% either strongly or moderately approve of hunting while only 9% moderately or strongly disapprove. Responsive Management noted that disapproval has dropped significantly in the state.
While 75% of the public approves of hunting, just 58% approve of hunters.
With regards to fishing, 82% of the general public held a positive opinion, although there was less approval of anglers (69%).
Forty-seven percent of respondents held favorable views on trapping, and 28% disapproved.
Consistent with hunting and fishing, the public held more negative views about trappers (34%) than trapping. The good news is that, overall, these percentages haven’t changed over the past three years and are consistent with national data suggesting that 54% of Americans approve of trapping while 28% oppose it.
As for what Michigan’s general public considers acceptable reasons for hunting, the two most approved motivations were “for food” and “to balance nature.” As in previous surveys, both in Michigan and nationwide, the least approved motivations were for “trophy hunting” and “ the challenge.”
When asked to prioritize “hunting that benefits wildlife” versus “hunting that benefits humans,” there was more support for “hunting that benefits wildlife.”
Seventy-five percent of respondents agreed that hunting is an important wildlife management tool. Only 6% disagreed.
Interestingly, the data showed that those who approve of hunting are becoming more positive while those who disapprove of it are becoming more negative.
When respondents who approved of hunting were asked why they had become more positive, they gave three reasons: to reduce over-abundant deer; to provide healthy sources of protein for food pantries; and “they know a hunter.”
Respondents who disapproved of hunting gave four reasons: negative perception of the DNR; suffering of wounded animals; hunting wasn’t fair chase; negative opinion of firearms.
Although the council’s marketing campaign has had great success, some stubbornly persistent misperceptions remain. For example, 20% of the survey’s respondents still believe that legal regulated hunting leads to the extinction of species.
While lower than the national percentage of people holding similar beliefs (37%), that result shows that, in Michigan, more effort needs to be devoted towards distinguishing the consistently beneficial effects of ‘legal, regulated hunting’ from the undeniably harmful impacts of the unregulated exploitation during the 19th century.
The entire Responsive Management survey and a wealth of other useful information can be found on the Michigan Wildlife Council and Nimrod Society websites.
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10 thoughts on “Survey shows that folks in Michigan favor hunting more than they do hunters”
Obviously non-hunters, non-trappers and non-anglers don’t understand Michiganders who participate in these activities at all. The gap between approval of the activities versus those participating in them seems strange. There are abusers in everything. If that’s the reason for the difference I somewhat understand. A few abusers give all participants a negative outlook. For those against these activities and believe the activities lead to extinction or aren’t fair chase, why are humans even on this planet still? Non-supporters aren’t realistic, give animals human attributes they don’t have and continue to live in a fantasy world.
Not sure why the article doesn’t touch on specific reasons why the non-hunters, fisherman or trappers have a negative view of those that participate. It’s important to discuss. For example landowners tend to have an unrealistic expectations of their ripearean rights. They get upset if fisherman fish too close to their property, even though you can fish anywhere on the water. But this is usually because of those bad apples that snag expensive lawn furniture, boats or docks. Or snag underwater features and just break the lines, leaving hooks for homeowners, children or pets to get hooked on. The homeowner also gets nervous when they see a boat near their property in low light or dark situations, thinking it might be a thief or intruder. And then there are the anglers that trespass on private property or private lakes to fish. Much can apply to hunters and trappers as well.
I could go on about the unfair or unjustified overreach of the DNR. Imposing on private properties, punishing those that may be in a gray area of the law, all the while totally neglecting to catch or punish those bad apples trespassing or blaigtenly breaking the laws.
Sorry. But as a Michigan “folk” I do not like either. It isnt a sport unless both teams know they are playing. Killing for fun is a sick and twisted hobby.
You are correct. Hunting is not a sport, and never should have been termed as such. It is a resource management tool and a tradition passed down through generations. We are responsible for the wild animals on this planet and should act accordingly based on the laws and regulations provided by the wildlife managers tasked with the balancing act of setting limits.
I kill animals to put good organic protein in my freezer to feed my family. The fun part is being outdoors enjoying God’s creation where there’s no concrete and steel.
Patrick and people like him just don’t get it. They don’t want you to enjoy your children, wife, or grandchildren having a great day on the water. Hunting for small or large game. Passing the Tradition down to the next generation. But I bet they have no problem changing the oil in their car, and dumping the dirty oil in the sewer. Or driving with a sell phone in one hand and a dog or cat in their lap. Sleeping with pet in bed with them . I was born in 1951, taken Bear, Caribou, and Deer with my long bow. Bull Elk and cowelk too. My wife can shoot better than most people I know. We process all our harvest and feed all 10 grandchildren when they come to visit. Sportsman and sportswoman are the back bone of our nations wildlife and fisheries. Their dollars keep the ecosystem running smoothly. Waterfowl, Elk, Deer, Turkey, Salmon have all made a remarkable comeback all across America. God put these resources here for us all to enjoy. Let’s continue to be good Stewart’s of our great country.
Killing for food is not killing for fun. Are you a meat eater? If so you’re just a sissy that let’s someone else do the killing. Visit a slaughter house and get back to me.
Last deer I took I tanned the hide saved and ate all the meat and even used some of the bones. So mister for fun your opinion is just that. By the way that deer was taken with a longbow and flint tipped arrow I made. Opinions are like assholes everybody has one. Doesn’t mean your right.
@ patrick
Of course.
Food comes from the grocery store.
Not sure how many hunters “kill” for fun.
Beef chicken and fish are all “killed” before they get to the grocery store. We buy them as “food”.
Hunters hunt because they enjoy hunting. Hopefully, most of them enjoy eating what they “kill”.