A comparison of mixed‐mode survey designs for collecting deer and fall turkey harvest data in North Dakota

Abstract

AbstractAchieving state wildlife agency biological goals for deer (Odocoileus spp.) and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) rely on high quality data collection via hunter harvest surveys. Concomitantly, better information is needed to optimize harvest survey methods. From 2017 to 2019, we surveyed North Dakota, USA, deer and fall turkey hunters using a self‐administered mail survey as a control and 3 mixed‐mode, internet/mail surveys to evaluate the efficacy of alternative survey designs for estimating harvest of game populations and informing future management. We measured response rates across segments of North Dakota deer and fall turkey hunters, and across mixed‐mode treatments that could easily be implemented with existing wildlife agency resources. We also determined whether early survey respondents were more likely to harvest deer or turkey. Finally, we estimated the effects of demographic factors that may be associated with hunters returning survey treatment modes to further North Dakota Game and Fish Department's ability to tailor surveys to certain hunter groups. We found that internet‐mail and mail‐internet treatments resulted in significantly higher response rates than a traditional mail‐only survey mode. We also found that hunters who successfully harvested an animal were more likely to return questionnaires shortly after the initial wave of surveying. Finally, we found that older, nonresident, and urban hunters were more likely to return questionnaires. Our research demonstrates potential use of tailored mixed‐mode surveys to increase response rates.