Anglers from across the state are encouraged to take part in a survey about fishing in Idaho.
The survey, offered every five or six years, covers a variety of topics including how often people fish and their preferred fish species, what types of fishing regulations they support, and what important conservation priorities Fish and Game should pursue. Fish and Game is also interested in learning more about what other values are important to anglers, such as solitude or natural beauty.
"The angler opinion survey is the first of many steps we take to ensure our fisheries program is providing what the public wants," notes Jeff Dillon, Fish and Game's State Fishery Manager.
The survey is designed to be statistically random, but also offers an opportunity for all anglers to share their opinions. There are three different ways anglers can access the survey – a mailed survey, an invitation by email, and an open online survey. Here’s how it will work.
- A mailed survey goes out Oct 23 to a random sample of fishing license buyers.
- An emailed invitation to take the survey will be sent Oct 24 to a random sample of license buyers.
- An online survey open to everyone will be released Oct 30. The public will find a link to the survey on Idaho’s Fish and Game’s website https://idfg.idaho.gov from Oct. 30 until Nov.13.
Anglers who receive a survey in the mail or via email should complete those and not take the open online survey.
All responses will remain confidential. Survey results are important to help shape Fish and Game's next statewide fish management plan. "We've conducted these surveys for over 30 years and they help us understand what anglers want, measure how well we meet their expectations, and keep us focused on activities that benefit fish and fishermen", said Dillon.