This survey is undertaken about every 5 years and paid for with funds from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) and Federal Aid in Sportfish Recreation (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux) programs. It provides the only comprehensive statistical data available related to participation and expenditures on hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and other wildlife-related recreation. As such it is an indispensable resource for wildlife officials, journalists, corporations, conservation groups, and others with an interest in wildlife.
To conduct the survey, the U.S. Census Bureau contracts nearly 80,000 households. A portion of these households are then tracked throughout the following year to determine their participation in and expenditures on wildlife-related activities. For example, during the last survey in 1991, 70,000 wildlife recreationists were tracked for a year, including 42,000 hunters and anglers.
The Census Bureau will collect the information through telephone interviews in April and August 1996 and January 1997. The results will be published in a national report and 50 state reports. The survey has been conducted since 1955.
Last conducted in 1991, the survey revealed that 108.7 million Americans enjoyed some form of wildlife-related recreation and spent $59 billion pursuing their activities. These recreationists included 36 million anglers; 14 million hunters; and 76 million participants in wildlife observation, photography, and feeding.
"The willingness of anglers, hunters, and others to participate in these interviews is critical to its success," said John Rogers, the Services acting director. "A relatively small percentage of wildlife enthusiasts will be called and we hope that these people will be willing to participate."
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has assisted the Service by producing a print public service announcement asking sportsmen to support the survey. The announcement, for which BASS is running in its publications. To obtain a copy, pleases contact the Media Services office at 202-208-5634.
FWS
