Hunters report greater satisfaction when they pay a fee to hunt on private land. Herds are managed for more trophy animals. Access is limited to those who pay, improving success and safety. Unlike the public licensing system, fees reflect the true market value of the game. For example, hunters will pay more for a mature bull elk than a young bull or cow.
Fees encourage private owners to make habitat improvements on the land to attract more game.
Access to private land for hunting has become increasingly limited. Traditional ranchers have grown wary of careless hunters who toss trash, leave gates open and damage property. Fees encourage landowners to open more private land to hunters. Wildlife agencies can learn from private landowners who manage successful fee hunting operations. Let the sport pay for itself by charging market-driven fees and hunters will begin to see the conditions they want.