Equity preferences in the allocation of goose hunting opportunities

Abstract

Goose hunting opportunities in the Northeast are increasingly limited, and demand often exceeds the supply of hunting opportunities. Where this is the case, existing opportunities must be allocated in some way—usually either by market pricing, “first-come, first-served” or by lottery. Each of these methods raises questions about equity or fairness. During the 1987 goose season, hunters at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison, Vermont, were given a mail-back questionnaire to determine their sentiments about the fairness of the existing process, alternative allocation systems, the monetary value of the opportunity and other questions related to the hunt. Both groups of respondents favored the lottery for rationing available permits by a substantial margin. By contrast, less than 7% of the respondents felt it appropriate to allocate goose hunting permits on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and market pricing was rejected by an even larger margin. Assuming permits could be sold, the average price the respondents would be willing to pay for a permit was $33·38. While this information provides useful insights, the views of a broader spectrum of the public with respect to the allocation and management of common property resources is needed.