Development of Wildlife Resources on Private Lands

During the past 2 years, numerous groups have discussed recreational and other commercial uses of wildlife and land resources by farmers and ranchers. For example, in 1986, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station conducted the International Ranchers Roundup in Kerrville, Texas. At this meeting, several speakers presented papers on the marketing of wildlife and rangeland resources, some discussed specific habitat management, and still others spoke about the complexities of managing resources for use by livestock, domestic Private landowners provide a major source for huntwildlife and exotic species. In 1987, the Southern Rural ing and other outdoor recreational activities demanded by Development Center conducted a regional symposium to the public. In the past, many farmers and ranchers have explore alternative farming opportunities in the South. leased their land for recreation to produce supplemental Included among these alternatives was the recreational use income, and occasionally alternative income, for their of farmland. This report has evolved from such past agricultural operations. Others have informally provided activities and discussions, and we hope it will be a useful "free access" to friends and relatives for hunting and guide for farmers, ranchers and others. fishing. Today, because of problems with agricultural