Shooting Preserves

Other enterprises include shooting preserves that offer hunters an opportunity for shooting pen-raised game such as quail that are released before the hunt. In some other parts of the country these birds include pheasant, chuker, and a variety of ducks.

Most preserves offer guides, bird dogs, meals, lodging, game cleaning and packaging. Hunts are generally sold on a full-day, half-day, or weekend package hunts. Fees for hunting guests can range from $100 to $700 per day, depending upon services offered. Hunting only, with no lodging or food will bring about $100 to $175 per day. If a guide and dog are provided for a half-day, then it may cost $150 to $300. If the landowner provides lodging, food, guide, and a hunting dog, then the cost may run from $300 to $700.

Shooting preserves in most states are required to be licensed. However, preserve operators enjoy a longer hunting season than that allowed for wild game.

Advantages of a shooting preserve include:

1. the potential of being relatively profitable,
2. a long hunting season, and
3. they provide ``instant'' quality hunting for those who can afford it.

Disadvantages include:

1. the large capital investment,
2. high business risk for the operator,
3. high management costs, and
4. a relatively small clientele market.