May 1, 2015 -- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Waterfowl Section, in partnership with LSU's School of Renewable Natural Resources, has begun a survey of Louisiana waterfowl hunters which asks for input on waterfowl hunting activity, experience with the past hunting season, satisfaction with recent zones and zone boundaries, potential new zone boundaries, and attitudes on particular policies.

This effort includes four separate survey modes including 5,000 mailed surveys to randomly selected waterfowl hunters split between 2,500 printed surveys with follow-ups to be completed and mailed back; and 2,500 postcards with Internet pass codes to be completed on-line.

In addition, all waterfowl hunters with electronic addresses in the LDWF hunting license database will be sent an e-mail asking them to take the survey at a specified website. Additionally, the same survey is available via LDWF's website home page atwww.wlf.louisiana.gov and all interested waterfowl hunters not otherwise contacted can provide input. The survey response deadline is June 15, 2015.

This is a continuation of a cooperative human-dimensions research program conducted by LDWF's Waterfowl Section and LSU since 2010, designed to gather hunter-opinion data to better inform future decisions on waterfowl hunting regulations.

LDWF is using multiple survey distribution methods in an effort to engage as many Louisiana waterfowl hunters as possible and increase participation in the regulatory process. "Response rates are always a concern, especially when they fall as low as the 17 percent we received from the 2012 random mail-out survey," said LDWF Waterfowl Study Leader Larry Reynolds.

The department is encouraging all waterfowl hunters, especially those who receive a survey in the mail, to participate. "There will be follow-ups to all of the surveys," Reynolds said. "So if you are contacted by mail or e-mail, please respond as instructed. Those who are not contacted should respond via the LDWF website link, and should invite their waterfowling friends to participate, as well."

LDWF changed the number and boundaries of waterfowl hunting zones in 2012 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) offered expanded zones and splits options. This survey will provide data required by the USFWS to evaluate hunter satisfaction with those zone changes and begin consideration of potential changes in the future. This survey offers an excellent opportunity for all waterfowl hunters to provide input into waterfowl management and hunting regulation decisions.