Managing wildlife by ballot initiative: The arizona experience

• Published in: Human dimensions of wildlife Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 60 - 66
• Main Authors: DeVos, James C., Shroufe, Duane L., Supplee, Vashti C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.06.1998
• Subjects: Arizona; ballot initiative; responsive management; trapping
• ISSN: 1087-1209; 1533-158X
• DOI: 10.1080/10871209809359126

Ballot initiatives are being used frequently to change wildlife management practices. Arizona has experienced three initiatives in the last decade: two related to anti-trapping and one a funding initiative for wildlife and parks management. In 1991, a public initiative was started to prohibit trapping on public lands. The wording was vague and potentially provided a basis for a legal challenge to hunting and fishing. Efforts to defeat the initiative focused on the vague language. Upon defeat, the proponents clarified the language to prohibit lethal trapping methods and to permit hunting and angling, and the initiative passed. Based largely on data from a human dimensions survey, the Arizona Game and Fish Department did not oppose this initiative. Recognizing that funding was insufficient for agency requirements, the department developed plans to provide alternative funding. Most attempts failed in legislative hearings. The department, in concert with consumptive and non-consumptive nongovernmental organizations, planned a funding initiative that passed by a wide margin. The key to passage was using human dimensions data to plan the process.