A nationwide evaluation of deer hunter harvest survey techniques

Estimating annual harvests of deer (Odocoileus spp.) is an objective for al l state wildlife agencies. Sound management requires frequent evaluation of these methods. We conducted a nationwide survey of state agencies to evalu ate the efficiency of hunter harvest survey techniques. State agencies (96% , n=48) reported that they used check stations (56%, n=27), mail questionna ires (54%, n=26), report cards (19%, n=9), telephone surveys (13%, n=6), an d toll-free telephone services (2%, n=1) to estimate annual deer harvests. Agencies have attempted to increase response rates by increasing sample siz e, offering incentives, adding additional reporting options, redesigning fo rms, and increasing public relations efforts. Eighty-one percent (n=39) of state respondents used hunter survey data to estimate annual harvests, 40-4 4% of respondents used such data to track deer population trends, and >70% of respondents used survey data to establish hunting regulations. Each hunt er harvest survey technique appeared to serve a specific function for each state. Annually, a minimum of $3.5 million was spent assessing deer harvest s. interpretation and application of survey results should incorporate know ledge of biases, advantages, and disadvantages inherent in each technique.