Let Nature Take Its Course: Attitudes and Knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease Among Southeastern Minnesota Amish Deer Hunters

As chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues to spread, researchers have studied stakeholder attitudes, behaviors, and risk perceptions of deer hunting associated with CWD. Findings inform natural resource agencies’ methods to educate the public, address concerns, and implement management plans. However, little work has been done with underrepresented populations, such as the Amish. We conducted semi-structured interviews with male members of Amish communities in southeastern Minnesota, an area where CWD has been present in wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for over a decade. Participants were asked about their knowledge of CWD, attitudes and behaviors regarding CWD, and sources of CWD information. Thematic analysis revealed that participants had limited CWD knowledge, perceived CWD as a low risk, and disliked culling as a management strategy, instead preferring to “let nature take its course.” The knowledge shared and gathered in this study provides information for Amish community-focused, CWD-related educational materials.