Examining the effect of the Hunter's Choice: Alternative Ammunition project on Minnesota deer hunters' knowledge, attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behaviors regarding lead ammunition

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the Hunter’s Choice: Alternative Ammunition openhouse style demonstration clinics and presentations at mentored hunt orientations on participants’ knowledge regarding lead ammunition, its effects on wildlife and human health, and knowledge of non-lead alternatives. In addition, this study investigated participants’ attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behaviors regarding the use of lead ammunition, including whether hunters were willing to switch to non-lead ammunition and factors that influenced a change in ammunition types. Due to the low participation at the demonstration clinics, conclusions could not be drawn. Data from the presentations at the mentored hunt orientations revealed that knowledge of lead and non-lead ammunition was high overall. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre and post attitudes, with attitudes after the presentations being more supportive of non-lead ammunition. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of those indicating an intention to use non-lead ammunition pre and post the presentation. Wildlife health, human health, and ballistics were the most influential factors for future decisions related to non-lead ammunition choices. Females were significantly more likely to use lead ammunition at the mentored hunt, while increased prior hunting experience significantly increased the likelihood for participants of either gender to indicate their intention to use lead ammunition for future hunts. The overall effectiveness of the presentations on participants’ knowledge and attitudes did not vary by demographics in this study. These results will assist the Hunter’s Choice project in continuing to develop and implement programming, as well as provide insight for similar voluntary change programs.