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PIERRE – Report cards are being mailed from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and hunters who receive one need to complete and return it, whether or not they hunted or were successful.
Game Harvest Survey Coordinator Chuck Schlueter says a sample of hunters receives these cards asking them to report details of their hunt to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The cards include questions regarding hunting success, animal species and sex, how long they hunted, and their general hunting satisfaction.
"The report information is used to measure hunting effects on big game populations," Schlueter noted, which helps biologists and conservation officers learn whether the number of deer taken matches management objectives."
Hunters are randomly selected, so only a limited number receive a survey card. The survey is based on a high percentage of returned surveys, which is why someone might get a second or even third survey card if the first card is not returned.
"Returning the first survey card helps to eliminate the costs of sending additional cards," Schlueter said. "Sportsmen should complete the card and mail it as soon as possible after they finish hunting or even if they did not go hunting. It does not matter whether or not you were successful. Do it while the details are fresh in your memory. This will help us limit the number of mailings, and can be your way of taking an active part in managing South Dakota^s big game herds."
All who are successful in their hunt are also asked to send in the front teeth from the deer or elk they harvest in a special envelope included in the license package. The returned teeth are chemically treated, sectioned into thin slices and examined under a microscope to determine the animal^s age. The age structure information from the tooth survey is collected by biologists in Rapid City.
Schlueter said when the tooth information is combined with harvest survey data, summer doe/fawn counts and preseason buck/doe ratios, a clearer picture of what is happening to the herd is available to game managers.
"The harvest survey card and the tooth envelope are two different surveys. Both are essential and required," he said.
Uploaded: 12/6/2000
Uploaded: 12/6/2000