F&G Asks Anglers to Fill Out Report Cards

Who ever heard of report cards during summer? Aren't the long lazy days of the season set aside for outdoor pursuits like fishing? Sure they are, and Fish and Game is asking you to combine both with the new Fishing Report Card program. Here is how it works. When you visit your favorite fishing spot in southeast Idaho, you may notice a post or kiosk affixed with a tan box and a set of fishing report cards inside. Once you have finished your fishing experience, just fill out one of the cards and drop it in the box. The 4-by-6 card requests information about fishing hours, fishing methods, and species and numbers of fish kept and released. There is even space for the angler to include additional comments. The creel survey program that many anglers are familiar with involves Fish and Game staff driving around to various sites and collecting information from individual anglers on a periodic basis. This "hit and miss" process means that Fish and Game may not come into contact with a large sample size of anglers, and daily creel surveys conducted at a multitude of sites is simply not feasible. The new report card program allows for the same important information to be collected, however, more anglers at more locations will be reached on a daily basis, and at less cost. Filling out the fishing report cards is a voluntary program. So, where is the incentive for anglers to participate in this Fishing Report Card program? "It takes just 30 seconds or so to complete the report card. And when you do, you are essentially placing a vote for your favorite fishing hole in southeast Idaho," Regional Fisheries Manager Dave Teuscher said. That's because with the information gathered with the Fishing Report Cards, Fish and Game will be able to determine which fisheries are used most often, the productivity of the fisheries, which stocking efforts need to be enhanced, and what other amenities (parking, boat ramps, fishing access) need to be provided or improved. Help Fish and Game help you by filling out the Fishing Report Cards available at seven southeast Idaho fisheries. For more information about this report card program, please contact Dave Teuscher or Matt Kreizenbeck at 208-232-4703.