Lease hunting in the central hardwood region: an examination of tradeoffs

Abstract

An examination of literature pertaining to lease (fee) hunting resulted in a description of tradeoffs for landowners, hunters, wildlife managers, and wildlife in the Central hardwood forest region. Landowner advantages associated with a lease hunting enterprise were better vandalism and trespass control, increased income, increased services, enhanced wildlife management, and farmland preservation; disadvantages were increased landowner liability, increased time and financial investment, changes in farm operation, and increased resentment. Advantages of lease hunting to hunters, wildlife managers, and wildlife were increased wildlife management, reduced hunting pressure on private land, and reduced hunter/landowner conflicts; disadvantages for these groups were increased hunting pressure on public lands, increased hunting expense, and conversion of hunting into a sport only for the wealthy. A possible consequence of lease hunting in the Central hardwood forest region is discussed. Recommendations are provided to Central hardwood forest and wildlife managers regarding the relationship between lease hunting, landowner attitudes, and private forestland management.

Citation

Bratkovich, Stephen M.; Floyd, Donald W. 1993. Lease hunting in the central hardwood region: an examination of tradeoffs. In: Gillespie, Andrew R.; Parker, George R.; Pope, Phillip E.; Rink, George: eds. Proceedings of the 9th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-161. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station: 428-435