An Analysis of Expenditures by Illinois Waterfowl Hunters During the 2012-13 Illinois Waterfowl Seasons

Title: An Analysis of Expenditures by Illinois Waterfowl Hunters During the 2012-13 Illinois Waterfowl Seasons. Session Title: Various Topics. Session Number: 56. Session Time: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2014, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Presentation Number: 56. Author(s): Craig A. Miller1, Mark G. Alessi2, 1Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, 2Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL, Contact: [email protected]. Abstract Body: Waterfowl are an important resource in Illinois. Duck and goose hunting have long traditions in the state, and Illinois ranks among the tops states in the Mississippi Flyway for waterfowl harvest. We conducted a survey of Illinois waterfowl hunters to gauge the economic impact of waterfowl hunting in the state. A random sample of 5,000 waterfowl hunters was selected from state waterfowl stamp purchasers, and each individual was mailed a expenditure record prior to the season. Hunters were asked to record expenditures by category. Following conclusion of the seasons each hunter was mailed a survey questionnaire that included a table for total expenditures by category. We received 1882 (42%) completed questionnaires. Expenditure data were incorporated into IMPLAN v.3 and analyzed for trip and durable goods expenditures, indirect and induced economic effects, full-times jobs produced, and contributions to local, state, and federal taxes. We used formulas employed for calculating harvest to estimate total expenditures for trips and equipment for all waterfowl hunters in Illinois. Direct expenditures for all trips reported by hunters responding to the survey were $1,055,021 with mean expenditures per hunter equaling $2,645.69. Hunters reported $2,973,125 spent on equipment (durable goods) during the 2012-13 season. Total trip expenditures were extrapolated to $37,446,350 and equipment expenditures were $105,526,505 for all active waterfowl hunters in Illinois during the 2012-13 season. Total trip and equipment expenditures combined were estimated at $142,972,855. Average total annual trip expenditures were $861.95 and equipment expenditures $2,429.02 per hunter. Economic impact of waterfowl hunting in the state was $263 million. Every dollar spent by waterfowl hunters generated a total of $1.86, contributed $20.5 million in state and local taxes during the 2012-2013 season and accounted for 2,556 full-time jobs.