Data from: Perspectives of New York State residents to deer management, hunting, and predator reintroductions

High white-tailed deer abundance in the United States represents an
ecological and human health threat. Reducing deer populations by lethal
means and facilitating return of large predators are two potential, but
controversial, management options. We used an online questionnaire to
measure perspectives on deer management and predator return among a
stratified sample of New York State residents. We found widespread
acceptance (>70%) for reducing deer populations using lethal means
if doing so would reduce Lyme disease, increase forest regeneration,
protect native plants and animals, and improve road safety. Acceptance for
shooting more deer was unaffected by ethnicity but strongest among
respondents who were older, identified as hunters or conservationists,
owned more land, and considered health and safety while answering our
questionnaire. Respondents who identified as animal protectionists were
least accepting. Restoring regionally extirpated wolves and cougars had
limited acceptance (< 30%) but was strongest among those who
identified as hunters or conservationists.  Contrary to commonly
held beliefs, preferences for deer management or predator restoration did
not differ among urban and rural respondents. This common ground needs to
be reflected in deer management in the state due to legal obligations to
represent interests of all residents.