Resource information
In 2004, four focus groups consisting of agricultural landowners were organized in Northcentral Iowa to assess opportunities for hunting along in-field shelterbelts and on adjacent lands. A majority of respondents (95%) allowed/practiced some hunting on their lands. About 55% of respondents indicated that the potential existed for developing a fee hunting market associated with in-field shelterbelts. Intangible features of hunting, such as recreation/enjoyment and better land stewardship, were ranked higher than tangible ones--additional income and provision of economic opportunities for local communities. Respondents were highly concerned with negative consequences of hunting--trespassing and hunter misconduct. On average, agricultural landowners were willing to accept (WTA) US$30 per visit per party of four hunters to allow hunting of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) on their land. About 33% would grant access to hunters free of charge. Those who lived in urban areas would require five times the monetary compensation (US$50) as those who lived in rural areas (US$10).
