A preliminary survey was conducted to determine fee-hunting and wildlife management activities of private landowners in Mississippi. A total of 613 respondents reported ownership of land in parcels of ≥ 16.4 ha. Four hundred and forty-five respondents allowed hunting on their land, whereas 71 landowners collected fees for hunting privileges. Game species pursued on fee hunting lands included deer, waterfowl, turkey, quail, dove, and “other” game. Respondents reported expenditures of overhead items (e.g., manager/caretaker, liability insurance, hunter access) on fee hunting lands. Wildlife management activities reported by landowners included vegetation management, such as mowing, disking and burning; establishment of food and cover plantings, blind and tree stand installation and maintenance; and waterfowl management. Annual expenditures for wildlife management activities averaged $2,057 per respondent. Gross and net revenues from fee hunting activities averaged $9,297 and $5,435 per respondent, respectively. We believe that this study has value for private landowner assistance and education programs pertaining to fee hunting activities. Additionally, this type of information can provide landowners incentive to manage for timber and wildlife on sensitive habitats, such as wetlands.
