Survey Information
The following information is intended to help you make an informed decision about if you would like to participate in this survey. The information explains what the study is about, possible risks and benefits, and your rights as a research participant. You may print or save a copy of this letter for your records by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. If you do not understand something in the letter, please contact Maya Basdeo using the contact information on this website, before consenting to participate.
Study Title: From the Mouths of Hunters: Towards A Better Understanding of the Relationship Between Hunters and Conservation Action in Canada
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Stephen D. Murphy, School of Environment, Resources & Sustainability, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo. Email: sd2murph@uwaterloo.ca
Student Investigator: Maya Basdeo, MES Candidate, School of Environment, Resources & Sustainability, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo. Email: maya.basdeo@uwaterloo.ca
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What does participation involve?
Participation in the study will consist of an online anonymous questionnaire that takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will first be asked some demographic information such as age, cultural heritage, and residence location. The remaining questions ask about the kinds of hunting and conservation activities you do, and your opinions about conservation. With your permission, anonymous quotations from open-ended responses may be used in papers and publications that arise from this research project.
Who may participate in the study?
This survey is intended for residents of Canada who are at least 13 years of age and are currently a hunter or have been a hunter in the past as determined by licence, permit, course or other respective qualification in your province or territory, including those for youth and apprentice hunters. If you are a youth hunter or hunting apprentice between the ages of 13 – 17, please discuss your participation with a parent or guardian before completing the survey.
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What are the possible benefits of the study?
Participation in this study may not provide any direct personal benefit to you. The study may be of benefit to the academic community and greater society in the following way(s):
• Reflect the perspectives and opinions of hunters in Canada who complete the survey, potentially correcting misconceptions about what hunters think and do about conservation.
• Fill an existing gap in academic and general literature about the relationship hunters in Canada have with conservation, thereby informing future students and researchers who are interested in hunting and/or conservation.
• Provide a clearer definition of ‘conservation’ according to contemporary hunters in Canada.
• Provide insight to hunting and conservation communities and organizations about how best to engage with hunters about conservation issues and reduce barriers for hunters to participate in conservation efforts in Canada.
• Identify/confirm areas of overlap between hunters and other conservationists where collaboration may occur.
What are the risks associated with the study?
There are no known or anticipated risks associated with participation in this study. If a question or the topic makes you uncomfortable, you can choose not to provide a response.
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Has the study received ethics clearance?
This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
Who should I contact if I have questions regarding my participation in the study?
If you have any questions about this study or need more information before you decide whether to participate, please contact Student Investigator Maya Basdeo by email at maya.basdeo@uwaterloo.ca.