Testing failure-to-identify hunting incidents using an immersive simulation: Is it viable?
K E Bridges1, P M Corballis1, M Spray2
1University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Applied Ergonomics
|January 23, 2021
Summary
Hunting simulations reveal physiological arousal before shooting, with time perception slowing. Further research is needed to confirm if "buck fever" contributes to hunting accidents.
Area of Science:
- Human Factors
- Psychophysiology
- Hunting Safety
Background:
- Failure-to-identify hunting incidents, where hunters mistake humans for game, are a concern.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests factors like arousal, intake, sleepiness, and personality may contribute.
- Long observation times before firing are reported in such incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of simulation for researching hunting safety phenomena.
- To ascertain psychophysiological and temporal factors influencing hunter decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A video-based deer hunting simulation was conducted with 60 participants.
- Four conditions varied hunt scenarios (good/bad) and target visibility (stag/unidentified animal).
- Physiological arousal (pupil dilation, electrodermal activity), personality traits, intake, sleepiness, and time estimation were measured.
Main Results:
- Pupil dilation indicated arousal upon spotting the first stag; electrodermal activity decreased initially, then increased significantly before shooting.
- Participants perceived time as slowing down in the moments before simulated firing.
- The simulation provided sufficient immersion for research.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the presence of physiological arousal preceding shooting.
- Direct evidence for "buck fever" causing target misidentification was not established.
- The study enhances understanding of psychophysiological and temporal aspects of hunter decision-making.
