Survey Polls Recreationists

The next telephone survey request you receive may come from Uncle Sam. Acting for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), pollsters from the U.S. Census Bureau are calling 80,000
households to inquire about their wildlife-related recreational pursuits. While thoughts
may immediately jump to hunting and fishing, the FWS wants comments from bird-watchers,
critter feeders and wildlife photographers. Officials say information from the survey is “a
critical resource for federal and state wildlife agencies, journalists, outdoor and tourist
industries” and others associated with recreation. The last survey, in 1996, showed that
nearly 80 million Americans enjoy some form of wildlife-related recreational activity and
spend more than $100 billion in its pursuit. Survey results from this round of questions
will be published on a state-by-state basis, and will make their appearance online at the
FWS Web site: www.fws.gov