A new survey of Louisiana waterfowl hunters is asking questions and collecting harvest data that will help shape decision making on future waterfowl management and policy.

The survey is a cooperative effort involving the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), LSU's School of Renewable Natural Resources and Delta Waterfowl. Surveys have been mailed to 2,500 randomly selected waterfowl hunters licensed in Louisiana to solicit preferences, satisfaction levels and basic harvest information. Participation in the survey is voluntary. Additional to the mail-in survey sample group, any resident waterfowl hunter can participate in the survey on line at www.survey.lsu.edu/waterfowlsurvey.

The information collected will be used by LDWF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to formulate management plans and regulations for future seasons.

Harvest questions seek responses on location, frequency and success of hunting efforts during the 2009-10 season. Hunters are asked to rate satisfaction levels, aspects of waterfowl hunting that are important for a quality outing and experiences on state wildlife management areas. Opinions on policy issues such as seasonal dates, times and zoned hunting areas are also being solicited.

Space is provided for comments on any issue related to waterfowl hunting in Louisiana that may not have been covered in the survey. Hunters receiving surveys by mail are asked to return their completed forms by April 30. Comments can be submitted through the on-line survey through May 31.

In addition to the state-wide waterfowl hunter survey, LDWF is particularly interested in opinions on the proposal to allow Canada goose hunting in an area of southwest Louisiana specified in annual migratory bird regulations that has traditionally been closed. Comments on that proposal should be sent directly to Larry Reynolds, LDWF Waterfowl Study Leader, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 or lreynolds@wlf.la.gov.

Contact Larry Reynolds (225) 765-0456 or lreynolds@wlf.la.gov.