The Economics of Dove Hunting
Wildlife economics is not a new concept; rather it is well studied throughout the United States. However, dove-related economic information is not readily published.
Currently, we offer the following insight:
The implementation of a state dove hunting stamp has been used by some states to generate additional conservation funds and we fully endorse such a program. Additional expenditures on ammunition and other wildlife restoration taxed items produced by new dove hunting seasons would also contribute to conservation funds via the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, also known as Pittman-Robertson Program. Wildlife economics should be considered in two distinct ways: general economic gain and conservation fund gain. We are in no way suggesting that new dove hunting seasons will necessarily result in an immediate increase in the sales of general hunting licenses. We are, however, suggesting that a dove stamp program coupled with new dove hunting seasons will indeed generate additional conservation funds. Furthermore, we are also suggesting that a new dove season, although it will not necessarily result in increased license sales, certainly will result in the purchase of more items subject to conservation tax. We also believe, that in the long term, a new dove seasons will eventually result in an increase in general hunting license sales and/or help maintain hunting licensees lost to attrition by allowing older hunters to continue hunting additional years, thereby buying hunting licenses for those additional years. The positive impact to the general economy from hunting is well-documented and the additional opportunity derived from new dove seasons can be expected to generate additional revenue beyond compensatory levels.
The following is a compilation of economic data/information from different states and time periods:
IOWA- 2006-20,000 dove hunters would contribute $6.9 million to the Iowa economy, generate $462,000 in state sales tax revenue and generate 90 jobs within the state.
TEXAS- based on a 2005 survey conducted for the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Southwick and Associates, Texas dove hunting was annually valued at $177 million in retail sales alone and an overall economic impact of $316 million. Texas dove hunting produces 3,145 jobs in the private sector and $21 million in local sales tax revenue.
MISSISSIPPI- 2011- Dove hunts in Mississippi range from $100 to $500 dollars per day. Landowners earn between $85 to $300 per acre on dove fields. Landowners and outfitters derive profits over a 2 to 3 week time period. -Mississippi DNR list this info. under economic incentives.
Assuming dove hunters spend less than other migrating bird hunters due for their respective trips, for example $175 versus $216, dove hunters in 1985, may have expended more than $540 million dollars in pursuit of doves. Also projected is an average of $70 million dollars spent on ammunition alone for mourning dove hunting, providing $7.6 million dollars per year through an 11% federal excise tax via Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, also known as Pittman-Robertson Program which is available to the states for wildlife conservation programs. The direct result of dove hunting is millions of dollars made available annually for state research, restoration, and management programs for nonhunted wildlife, as well as hunted species. -- excerpt taken from The Ecology and Management of the Mourning Dove.