An economic impact analysis of South Texas landowner hunting operation expenses

Abstract

Hunting is an important source of economic activity for rural South Texas. However, little is known about the economic impacts associated with landowner expenses. Questionnaires were mailed to landowners across the South Texas region to collect expense data related to managing hunting operations. The data included expense information on 248 ranches and encompassed 692,564 hunted hectares. The software IMPLAN was used to calculate the economic impact of these expense data. Total expenditures for the region were an estimated $114.4 million. Landowners who responded to our survey (n = 200) generated an estimated $166.1 million in economic output. With a direct impact of $108.9 million, the total value added to the South Texas economy was an estimated $75.7 million, which supported 1,635 jobs. Landowner expenditures contribute significantly to the economy of the South Texas region and should be a consideration of those who maintain or create policy that impacts wildlife conservation in the region.