A human dimensions study of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Murre Hunt

Abstract

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) presents a unique natural resource management situation in which the province’s coastlines are recognized as preferential nesting grounds for migratory bird species, yet the province is the only place in North America where non-Indigenous hunters are legally permitted to hunt species of migratory seabirds. This study explores the murre hunt in NL in terms of cultural importance to hunters and attitudes regarding current and potential resource management strategies. This study investigates the social and cultural influence of the murre hunt in NL. Focusing on the social dimension of a Human Dimensions of Wildlife Resources framework, the hunt's history and observed hunter perspectives in survey responses will be discussed. Additionally, this study considers the legal dimension of murre hunting. It is focused on exploring how hunters perceive current hunting regulations under the Canadian Migratory Bird Act Regulations and how these regulations impact the hunt. The following manuscripts will explore the murre hunt in NL in terms of cultural importance to hunters and attitudes regarding current and potential resource management strategies. The findings presented in this thesis will be of interest to hunters, policymakers, and wildlife officials as this research could inform future amendments to hunting regulations.