A new Canada-wide survey from Research Co. shows that only 12% of Canadians are in favour of hunting animals for sport, reinforcing that trophy hunting is widely out of step with modern public values.
This finding is especially significant as several jurisdictions continue to discuss or consider reopening trophy-based hunts, including the proposed reinstatement of the Alberta Grizzly Bear hunt. EWC’s advocacy has consistently emphasized that Canadians overwhelmingly prefer humane, ecologically responsible approaches to wildlife management, and this new data further underscores that direction.
“Canadians clearly value wildlife in ways that prioritize respect, coexistence, and long-term stewardship,” said Maggie Spizzirri, Executive Director of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy. “The fact that only 12% support trophy hunting tells us that people want sustainable, non-lethal approaches, approaches that protect ecosystems while also supporting local economies.”
The Research Co. survey also found that support for trophy hunting remains low across political lines, with only 14% of Conservative voters, 11% of Liberal voters, and 11% of NDP voters expressing favour for the practice.
EWC’s ongoing advocacy emphasizes that non-lethal wildlife-based economies, such as wildlife viewing, ecotourism, community coexistence programs, and habitat-friendly recreation, deliver stronger, more sustainable economic returns than trophy hunting. This aligns with public expectations for humane, science-based wildlife management and supports the broader shift toward policy frameworks that protect apex predators and the communities that live alongside them.
As noted in EWC’s strategic priorities, modernizing wildlife management and preventing a return to trophy-based grizzly bear hunts remain high-urgency goals. The new survey data provides strong nationwide evidence in support of these efforts.
“Canadians are telling us, loudly and consistently, that they want to see wildlife flourishing, not killed for sport,” Spizzirri added. “This gives governments a clear mandate to invest in coexistence, science-based management, and thriving wildlife-viewing opportunities that benefit communities, ecosystems, and regional economies alike.”
Read the full report: https://researchco.ca/2025/12/04/na-animals/
Over the past year, EWC has repeatedly raised concerns about decisions that expand hunting opportunities for apex predators, including the Alberta cougar hunt expansion, recent regulatory changes that reduce public oversight, and the rescinding of evidence-based limits that safeguarded vulnerable carnivore populations. These actions have moved in the opposite direction of public sentiment, and the new survey results reinforce what Canadians have been expressing throughout these debates: they want wildlife management grounded in science, ethics, and coexistence, not trophy-driven exploitation.
Canadians who wish to see these values reflected in policy are encouraged to add their voice by signing our ongoing petition calling for transparent, science-based wildlife governance: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/news/rescinding-of-decisions-pressrelease (scroll to bottom).
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy is a registered Canadian charitable organization committed to advancing science-based wildlife stewardship and promoting coexistence with large carnivores such as grizzly bears, wolves and cougars across Western Canada. Our work focuses on public education, coexistence programs, community support, and evidence-based policy that protects both human safety and ecological integrity. We collaborate with conservation groups, scientists, educators, and rural communities to strengthen approaches that reduce conflict and support long-term species recovery.
Maggie Spizzirri, Executive Director
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
mspizzirri@exposedwildlifeconservancy.org
www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org
@exposdwc
