Wildlife Stewardship and Recreation on Private Lands

In the United States, two-thirds of lands are private, and 85 percent of all wildlife is found on these private lands. Who is responsible for wildlife found on private lands - the government, who has the authority to manage wildlife on behalf of all citizens, or the landowners? How can governments carry out their management mission without encroaching on the property rights of landowners? How can landowners be encouraged to manage and preserve wildlife? The authors attempt to answer these questions, examining ways that public and private sectors can work together considering ways governments and landowners can be good stewards of the public's wildlife using recreation, tax advantages, and cost shares as incentives.