CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Monday, October 4 that it is asking hunters to complete harvest surveys for the 2021 hunting season.
The department said that it has begun to issue harvest surveys to hunters via email or the U.S. Postal Service. Information gathered in the surveys helps the department make future wildlife management decisions.
“This harvest survey is the best way to gather large amounts of data from the public,” Game and Fish Science, Research and Analytical Support Unit Supervisor Embere Hall said. “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.”
The department notes that due to the large volume of antelope, deer, elk, small game, upland game bird and migratory game bird license holders, only a random sampling of licensed hunters can expect to receive surveys.
All moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear, mountain lion, gray wolf, wild turkey, furbearer, sandhill crand and light goose license holders are included in the survey process.
Hunters who receive and complete antelope, deer or elk harvest surveys will be entered into a drawing to win prizes. Prizes have been donated by the following organizations:
- Cheyenne Frontier Days
- 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
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- West Laramie Fly Store
- Whitetails Unlimited
- Wild Sheep Foundation
- Wyoming Wildlife Federation
In order to be eligible to win prizes, hunters must submit survey responses by January 6, 2022 for antelope. The deadline of deer surveys is January 27, 2022 and the deadline for elk surveys is February 3, 2022.
“Some hunters may receive a survey before their season ends; however, Game and Fish asks hunters to wait until they are finished hunting or their season is over before filling out the survey,” the department said. “Responding online is the best way to submit your response.”
Those antelope, deer and elk harvest surveys are being conducted by research firm Tetra Tech.
“Hunters who have questions about the antelope, deer and elk surveys can contact Tetra Tech’s survey team directly at 1-800-216-0477,” Game and Fish said. “For all harvest surveys, hunters can also contact Game and Fish for assistance at (307) 777-4589.”
It is not legally required for hunters to return surveys. However, Hall said that “if you get a survey, it’s important to fill it out, even if you didn’t hunt or harvest.”
