Disparity between Hunters' Willingness to Pay and Willingness to Accept Compensation: An Empirical Example

Willingness-to-pay (WTP) and willingness-to-accept (WTA) compensation models were estimated for hunters using a portion of the Clarks Hill wildlife Management Area during 1989-1990. Hunters' WTA values ranged from 2.8 to 8 times more than WTP. Income and wealth effects as well as property rights clearly contributed to this disparity in WTP and WTA compensation for the right to hunt in the wildlife Management Area. Responding hunters spent an average of $750 for hunting related activities or about five percent of their disposable income.