Hunting

The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-associated Recreation reported that in Florida, residents and non-residents spend $6.2 billion annually on fish- and wildlife-associated recreation, with 226,000 hunters over sixteen years of age contributing $394 million to this total. Incorporating hunting as an alternative enterprise on your farm can generate income through the charging offees for access to your property, the harvesting of specific animals, and the sale of items associated with these activities such as food, lodging, and guide services.

About three-fourths of all hunter-days in the United States occur on private lands, with most hunters preferring to hunt on private lands, especially when they are locally convenient and accessible, have good quality habitat, and low densities of hunters. A large proportion of hunters also report relaxation, visual evidence of wildlife, and companionship or camaraderie as important components of a satisfying hunting experience, in addition to actually "bagging" game--all things that you can provide and derive income from when using hunting as an alternative enterprise on your farm.

There are many cost share and technical assistance programs available to help you make farm improvements for wildlife and enhance hunting opportunities. Hunting as an alternative farm enterprise typically involves leasing access to your property to hunters, or operating a hunting preserve.

• Hunting Leases
• Hunting Preserves

• Return to Wildlife & Hunting