Wyoming Game and Fish launches annual harvest survey

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Hunters, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department wants to hear about your hunting experiences this year.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, the department is conducting its annual harvest survey, reaching out to hunters across the state via email or postcard to gather information about the 2024 hunting season.

“A harvest survey is the best way to gather large amounts of data from the public. We use the responses to estimate harvest, hunter success and hunter effort,” said Jason Carlisle, Game and Fish quantitative biologist. “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 will survey a random sampling of antelope, deer and elk license holders due to the large number of hunters with these licenses. Hunters with licenses for other species, such as moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat, will likely receive a survey.

“If you get a survey, it’s important to fill it out, even if you didn’t hunt or harvest,” Carlisle said.

Hunters who complete their antelope, deer or elk harvest surveys by the given deadlines will be entered into a drawing for gift cards and prizes donated by outdoor retailers and organizations.

The surveys are being conducted by the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming, ensuring all responses remain confidential.

Hunters with questions about the surveys can contact WYSAC at 1-866-966-2715 or email wyhunter@uwyo.edu. For general hunting inquiries, contact Game and Fish at 307-777-4600.

NOTE: AI tools assisted in the publication of this press release.