A Self-Service System For Estimating Hunter Usage And Harvest On Management Areas In Mississippi'

A self-service daily recreational permit was developed and tested on 6 Wildlife Management Areas in Mississippi during the 1976-77 season. The permit system provides data on hunter usage and harvest by species and day of the season, the effective area served by management units, and an indication of economic importance of recreational opportunities. The utility of the system is illustrated with data for deer hunting on the Issaquena Wildlife Management Area. These data should aid greatly in the formulation of management decisions and allocation of agency resources.