DEC to survey anglers

Anglers who purchased a freshwater fishing license between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017, may be asked to participate in a survey designed to learn more about their angling behaviors, preferences, and opinions on fisheries management issues.

Last conducted in 2007, the statewide freshwater angler survey is designed to help Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries managers better understand where anglers are fishing, what they are fishing for, how many days they spend on the water, and what they spend their money on.

It also provides managers with insight into anglers’ preferences, satisfaction, and opinions on management topics. Expenditure information provided by anglers will also help DEC better quantify the benefits of freshwater fisheries with respect to the New York State economy.

Unlike past surveys that have been conducted using a questionnaire delivered through the United States Postal Service, this survey will primarily use emails sent to a sample of license buyers, directing the recipients to an online survey questionnaire. Survey questionnaires will also be mailed to a smaller group of anglers to allow for comparison of the two survey methods.

Emails inviting anglers to participate and mailed survey questionnaires will be distributed during January, and anglers are strongly encouraged to participate in the survey. Results of the survey will be provided in the spring of 2019.

 

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