This chapter outlines Service policy and objectives in carrying out the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The National Survey records the value of fish and wildlife-related recreation to the American people. It collects information primarily on the number of participants, days of participation, and expenditures for different types of fishing, hunting and nonconsumptive wildlife-related recreation.
Nonconsumptive participation includes observing, photographing, and feeding fish and wildlife.
Data also are collected on the sociodemographic characteristics of participants and on other topics that are decided for each survey based on an extensive consultation process, the budget for the Survey, and a clearance process required by the Office of Management and Budget. It has been conducted for the most part at 5-year intervals, and has been based on a sample of the American people. It has provided a snapshot of actual participation and expenditures for the year it was conducted. The Survey has increased in scope and complexity over the years as the need for more reliable, comprehensive, and state level data has grown. It provides the definitive data base in the U.S. for information on wildlife-related recreation.