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. Preliminary survey reports will be available in the summer of 2002, and final reports will be issued beginning in the fall of 2002.
Early spring is a good time to look for deer antlers.
The growing antlers are supported by a rich blood and nerve supply, and are the fastest form of bone growth known. Each year they grow into fantastic shapes, harden for use as weapons, and finally drop off in late winter. Unlike the horns of animals like buffalo and pronghorn antelope, antlers are truly bone. Horns are never completely shed, and they are made of material more akin to hair than bone. Yearlings may carry both antlers into early April, while big Kansas bucks often drop in early January.