The survey is undertaken every five years and is paid for with funds from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux) programs. It provides the only comprehensive statistical data available related to participation and expenditures on hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related recreation. The survey is considered a critical resource for federal and state wildlife agencies, journalists, outdoor and tourist industries, local governments, conservation groups and others with an interest in wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Information for the survey is collected by the Census Bureau, primarily through telephone interviews that are being conducted now and will also be conducted in September 2001 and January 2002. Individuals will be asked about their participation and expenditures in several categories of wildlife-associated recreation. Results are published in a national report and in 50 individual state reports. The survey has been conducted every five years since 1955.

In conducting the survey, the Census Bureau initially contacts 80,000 households. A sampling of individuals is compiled from the first round of calls, and those in the sampling are called again, later in the year. In 1996, the sampling included 28,200 anglers and hunters and 14,400 wildlife observers, feeders and photographers.

The 1996 survey revealed that 77 million Americans enjoyed some form of wildlife-related recreation and spent more than $100 billion pursuing their activities.

"We are deeply appreciative of the anglers, hunters, birdwatchers and others throughout the United States who voluntarily participate in this survey," said Marshall Jones, acting director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Preliminary survey reports will be available in the summer of 2002 and final reports will be issued beginning in the fall of 2002. Regular updates will be posted on the Service's home page at http://fa.r9.fws.gov/surveys/html