Willingness to Pay for Hunting Leases in Alabama

Abstract

This study used a censored probit approach to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for hunting leases in Alabama. Data were generated through a dichotomous choice contingent valuation (DCCV) survey conducted in spring 2002. After correcting for sample selection bias, we found that hunting experience, hunter's household income, number of dependents, and lack of game quality had significant impact on WTP, with lack of game quality having the largest marginal effect. The estimated WTP was $1.29/ac per hunter or $23/ac per hunting club, more than double the actual average payment of $0.52/ac per hunter or $9.36/ac per hunting club. These results suggested that landowners in Alabama could increase access fees for hunting leases.