Survey of Leased Waterfowl Hunting Rights in Minnesota

Abstract

Many farmers are becoming aware that the sale or lease of hunting rights may form an additional income. However, some do not know the cash value of this commodity since fixed standards have never been determined. In recent years, farmers who own wetlands have been requesting information on wetland values from soil conservationists. information is also important because it indicates the potential value of potholes or marshes as an economic part of the farm. In some instances a known potential value may serve the farmer as a guide in determining land use or improving a marsh for production or harvest of wildlife. Some people dislike the idea of paying for hunting rights, but there are those who feel this must be expected in the future if fish and game are to be produced and harvested on private lands. In today's era of intensive farming the aesthetic reason alone for improving wildlife habitat is no longer adequate. Many landowners feel that an economic motive should also be involved. Aldo Leopold (1933, p. 398) stated, The only conceivable motive which might activate a sufficient number of non-shooting landholders [to manage game] is the financial motive. Berryman (1957) stated, Even the management agencies are beginning to charge for public use on public areas, and rightly so. It is only fair that we accord the landowner similar treatment. Similar statements have