SREL Reprint #3891

Hunter perceptions of a recreationally-hunted invasive species during eradication from an island wildlife refuge

Travis E. Stoakley1, Kelly H. Dunning2, and James C. Beasley1

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
2Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA

Abstract: Human dimensions of invasive species are understudied in coastal systems. Wild pigs are among the most damaging invasive threats to coastal biodiversity, yet little is known about public perceptions of their management here. Despite rising popularity of island eradication programs, no published study has quantified public perceptions of wild pig eradication efforts. Our study quantified public perceptions of wild pigs during an eradication program at Blackbeard Island, Georgia, U.S., by distributing a survey to participants of the 2024 archery hunt. Hunters overwhelmingly supported wild pig eradication (73.0%) and were concerned about wild pig impacts on native species (98.1%), yet only half believed eradication would be successful. Professional hunting (92.8%) and trapping (79.7%) were more supported than aerial shooting (42.0%) or toxicants (11.6%). Hunters less concerned about wild pig impacts had lower income, lived out-of-state, lacked wildlife-related work experience, and were newer to the hunt. Newer hunters also preferred more wild pigs present on the island and were less likely to support eradication, think eradication would benefit deer hunting, or participate in post-eradication hunts. With rising global prevalence of invasive eradication programs, clarifying the factors that shape stakeholder perceptions can provide managers with better information to bolster community support and success in future implementations.

Keywords: coastal recreation, coastal wildlife, ecotourism, eradication perception, invasive eradication, island eradication, island recreation, sea turtles, shifting baselines, wild pigs

SREL Reprint #3891

Stoakley, T. E., K. H. Dunning, and J. C. Beasley. 2026. Hunter perceptions of a recreationally-hunted invasive species during eradication from an island wildlife refuge. Conservation Science and Practice 8(e70281).

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).