WYOMING TO INCENTIVIZE SURVEY RETURNS – As hunters, we’ve come to expect to get a survey in our inbox following a hunt. Fish and game departments use this data to publish harvest statistics. They also use it to develop management strategies. This year Wyoming is looking to get a big boost in survey returns.
“This harvest survey is the best way to gather large amounts of data from the public,” Game and Fish Harvest Supervisor Emily Gates said in the department’s Monday release. “We use the responses to estimate harvest, hunter success and hunter effort.”
“Hunter feedback is important information and is a valuable tool for monitoring populations, setting future quotas, season dates and other regulations. We appreciate every response.”
Wildlife Surveys
In Wyoming, there are many hunters that have deer, antelope, elk and upland game permits. The Wyoming Fish and Game will send a large amount of surveys to individuals who hold these tags. However, not all hunters will receive one. The department will select a random sample from the pool of hunters.
“However, all license holders for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear, mountain lion, gray wolf, fall wild turkey, spring wild turkey, furbearer, sandhill crane and light goose conservation order are included in the survey process,” Game and Fish said.
Donated Prizes
To incentivize the return of surveys, all tag holders that return a survey will be entered into a drawing. The winners of the drawing will receive prizes from the following companies:
- Hi Mountain Jerky
- Huntin’ Fool
- JAX Outdoor Gear
- King’s Camo
- Maven Optics
- Montana Decoy
- Mule Deer Foundation
- Muley Fanatic Foundation
- National Bowhunter Education Foundation
- National Wild Turkey Federation
- onX Hunt
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Stone Glacier Hunting Backpacks
- West Laramie Fly Store
- Wild Sheep Foundation
“To be eligible for prizes, hunters who are selected for a survey must submit responses by Jan. 7 for antelope, Jan. 28 for deer and Feb. 4 for elk,” Game and Fish said.
The Wyoming Game and Fish are strongly encouraging all hunters that receive a survey to return it. It not only provides an opportunity to win a prize, but as stated above, it provides very important data.
