Abstract
This research answers two questions: (1) what is the annual economic value of the Pennsylvania’s hunting resources, and (2) what are the annual economic impacts from the use of those resources? A mail survey was used to collect data on hunters’ annual trip and equipment expenditures for hunting, and on wildlife-watching activities away from home within the state. Results of the travel cost method (TCM) showed that the annual values of the hunting resources and the wildlife watching resources were $6.39 and $0.49 billion, respectively. Results of the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) model indicated that the annual economic impact of hunting on the state’s economy was $2.39 billion. This information can be used with biological data, results of public opinion, and surveys about game management to formulate policy decisions that help match availability of hunting and wildlife watching resources with future demand.

Keywords: Hunting, wildlife watching, economic value, economic impacts 

By Elwood l. Shafer, Youngsoo Choi, Arun Upneja, School of Hospitality Management, The Pennsylvania State University, USA