Benefit Estimates 



The measure of economic benefits (net economic value) used in this study is the truncated mean. 

 The truncation point used is the maximum bid amount utilized - $2000.00 in this study. To 

 estimate this value, the probability of a "yes" response is plotted against the various bid levels. 

 Integrating the area under this curve provides an estimate of the mean. It should be noted that 

 the truncated mean is a conservative estimate of mean willingness to pay since all those having 

 a willingness to pay greater than the truncation point are included at this point. 



Table 9 presents the current and improved trip values as well as the estimated values for two 

 subsamples (residency and first/last trip) where it was thought that differences might occur. The 

 trip value for nonresidents ($626.00) was significantly higher than residents ($236.(X)). After 

 adjusting these values for the difference in trip length for these two groups, nonresidents' values 

 were still higher than residents, $173. (X) to $130. (X). While there was a difference between first 

 and last hunt values for the current trip they were not notable, especially when comparing the 

 per day values. 



The comparison of resident/nonresident values across current and improved condition trips 

 showed no difference for resident hunters. Interestingly, nonresidents benefit estimates were less 

 for the improved condition trip that for the current trip. It would seem they felt the current trip 

 was good and there was no room for improvement. 



The net economic values associated with the improved condition situation for "first" and "last" 

 trips were also lower than the "first" and "last" trip values under current conditions. It would 

 seem upland game bird hunters are satisfied with the numbers of birds they saw on their hunting 

 trips and are not willing to pay more to see more birds than they actually did. 



17 



