10 Jan 2024 New research shows overwhelmingly positive public attitudes towards hunting in Belgium

Brussels, 10 January 2024 – A recent public survey commissioned by Hubertus Vereniging Vlaanderen (HVV) and the Royal Saint-Hubert Club de Belgique (RSHCB) has revealed convincing data on the social acceptance of hunting in Belgium. The survey, conducted by the renowned and independent agency YouGov, indicates that there is a significant degree of neutrality or support for hunting practices within Belgian society.

Belgians support hunting: A striking 77% of respondents are neutral or positive towards others who hunt, as long as this is done legally and within the legal framework. This feeling reinforces the idea that hunting, when done in accordance with the law, is generally accepted by the Belgian population.

Public knowledge of hunting: The research has shown that there is a need for more awareness and education about hunting, as 90% of participants acknowledge that they do not understand the subject well. This presents a vital opportunity for HVV and RSHCB to collaborate on educational initiatives to raise awareness about the wider implications of hunting, including its contributions to biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Sustainable use and conservation awareness: Furthermore, the survey addressed the public’s perception of hunters keeping parts of legally hunted animals as “trophies”, provided that this contributes to conservation. An encouraging 68% of participants stated that they were neutral towards or agreed with this practice, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in shaping public opinion.

Educational outreach: For FACE, the results of the survey are a testament to the successful conservation and management efforts of hunters in Belgium. There is potential for future educational and advocacy initiatives that can further strengthen the acceptance of hunting in the region.

Conclusion and future perspective: The findings of this study pave the way for an improved public image of hunting in Belgium. They underline the essential role that informed dialogue and civic engagement play in promoting a positive perception of hunting. FACE is committed to supporting its members in their ongoing efforts to promote hunting as a socially responsible and environmentally conscious activity in Belgium and throughout Europe.

For more details and insights into the research, please visit the HVV website.

Contact Social Acceptance Policy Advisor, Tristan Breijer (tristan.Breijer@face.eu) for more information about FACE’s initiatives for social acceptance in Europe.