The North American model of wildlife conservation is an inappropriate basis for formulating conservation policy. | Human Dimensions of Wildlife. 2026 Apr

The North American model of wildlife conservation is an inappropriate basis for formulating conservation policy. Bruskotter JT, Vucetich JA, Sullivan L, Peterson MN, Serfass TL, Peterson TR, Nelson MP. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. 2026 Apr

ABSTRACT

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAM) allegedly describes principles critical to successful wildlife conservation in North America. The NAM is promoted by numerous hunting-related interest groups, some of whom use it as a source of legal authority to advocate for the supremacy of state governments over federal and tribal governments. We demonstrate why such prescriptions are inappropriate. Specifically, we show: (i) the NAM provides an outdated description of the system of conservation in the U.S. (one limited to policy developments prior to the 1930 s); (ii) the NAM’s components were not derived from nor are they adequately supported by science; and (iii) despite claims to the contrary, existing evidence indicates that conservation outcomes produced by the system of conservation in the U.S. are appreciably worse than other countries. We conclude with thoughts on how human dimensions research could assist in improving our systems of conservation.