Where’s the Meat? Exploring Changes in Game Management and Governance of value to British Columbia Resident Hunters
Jesse Zeman
British Columbia Wildlife Federation, Surrey, BC
John Janmaat
Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC
john.janmaat@ubc.ca
Abstract
Hunting is an important activity for many BC residents, providing both food and recreational pleasures. It also serves to transfer funds from the more populous to the less populous regions of the province. Many of the most sought game species in BC are in decline, with an increasing share of hunts becoming limited entry (LEH). We use a choice experiment with LEH moose hunt applicants to explore how hunters value increasing the harvestable surplus, changing the probability of being drawn, changing governance, and increasing the share of licence fees dedicated to game management. Using predicted mean willingness to pay estimated for each participating hunter, we find that as described, the changes have on average positive value. Trading between LEH draw probability and odds of harvesting is predicted to leave some participating hunters worse off. Combining changes can generate substantial value for participating hunters, and suggests that increased licence fees would be acceptable if these desired changes can be achieved. Where such changes also result in more hunting trips, it is expected to generate increased economic activity in the less populous parts of the province.