Optimal Waterfowl Hunting Management Strategies for Private Landowners: A Minnesota Case Study

A bio-economic model based upon waterfowl population, habitat, and hunting data in the state of Minnesota is used to examine the optimal management strategy of a waterfowl hunting enterprise on privately owned land. Various state sponsored incentive programs are then analyzed for their effect on hunting and waterfowl equilibrium levels, as well as the economic viability of the hunting enterprise. A waterfowl habitat and maintenance cost reimbursement incentive program is found to be the most effective at inducing additional hunting opportunities in Minnesota, while providing economic incentives for private landowners to actively manage their land