U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
ORCID IDs
McKee https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2283-4191
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2024
Citation
Wildlife Research (2024) 51: WR23063
doi: 10.1071/WR23063
Handling editor: Thomas Prowse
Abstract
Context
Wild-pig (Sus scrofa) hunting is a culturally significant recreational and commercial activity in Texas, but the overall impacts are contested. Except for one 1980s study, there has been no research to formally quantify any economic benefits of wild-pig hunting in Texas, which is an important component for weighing the costs and benefits of wild-pig presence in the state.
Aims and methods
To fill that research gap, we surveyed a sample of resident and non-resident 2018–2019 hunting-license holders in Texas about various topics related to their wild-pig hunting activities, including expenditures
Key results
On the basis of the 37,317 responses received, we estimated that the marginal annual direct economic benefit of wild-pig hunting to the Texas economy ranges between US$68.5 million and US$188.0 million (2022 dollar values). Given that we were not able to distinguish whether purchases were made in or out of state for expenses provided, we believe this range is an upper estimate.
Conclusion and implications
Although hunting is an important consideration in the discussion of wild-pig management, this estimate is dwarfed by the estimated total damage costs associated with wild pigs in Texas.
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Comments
United States government work