Hunters deeply respect and highly value wildlife and the wild landscapes where those species live. Now, thanks to new research, there is a monetary value attached to that wildlife, at least in Wyoming.

Jake Hochard, associate professor with the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming, found the collective, long-term value of elk, deer and pronghorn antelope in the Cowboy State totaling $5.97 billion.

According to Hochard, Wyoming's big game herds function like a "natural trust fund," which generates lasting value for people and communities. Breaking down the numbers, Hochard places a $3.9 billion value on the state's elk population, $1.2 billion on mule deer and $916 million on pronghorn.

He came to his conclusions by counting hunter value, meat harvest, hunting licenses and fees, local business benefits, vehicle collisions and management costs for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Benefits not counted include wildlife viewing, nonhunting recreation, ecosystem services, disease transfer to livestock and crop and property damage.

According to WyoFile, Hochard's research is not yet peer-reviewed, but he plans to introduce his findings later this year at the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses conference in Oklahoma City.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.

(Photo credit: victorschendelphotography.com)