Wildlife and recreation management on private lands in the United States

The public owns wildlife in North America, but landowners manage the habitat, influence reproductive potentials, and control the access to wildlife on private lands. Unfortunately landowners do not always view wildlife positively, owing to damages sustained, wildlife's competition with domestic production, and errant behaviors of users who access private lands. Recreational activities such as fee-hunting and wildlife viewing provide quality experiences for the recreationists and incentives for the landowners to keep wildlife. Private lands are found on 66% of the United States and contribute 80% of wildlife habitats, thus they are important to animal production, recreational use, and society. Expenditures for wildlife-based recreation totaled $101.2 billion in the United States (U.S.), with most money spent on equipment and trip-related costs (90%) for consumptive uses and 89% for nonconsumptive uses. Only $3.2 billion was spent for land leasing or ownership, yet hunting was practiced most on private lands (51%) or on public and private lands combined (30%). Nonconsumptive uses were fewer on private lands (10%) or on public and private lands combined (34%), yet those levels of use are significant enough to merit commensurate financial and management attention. Landowners need to participate in the management and in the profit-taking associated with the production of wildlife and the recreation it provides. Management and use of private lands should be increased by enfranchising private landowners to be partners with governments (which are entrusted as custodians over wildlife resources). Options for U. S. landowners to consider include: hunting, fishing, bed and breakfasts, ranch recreation, snow sports, wilderness experiences, wildlife viewing, nature study, and other nonconsumptive activities. Partnerships among landowners, governments, businesses, users, and communities are encouraged, whereby planning, programs, and evaluation can be integrated.