2016 Survey Letters

FHW-PS(L1) – Pre-screener Initial Letter (early January 2016)

Household Address

City, State Zip code

Dear Resident:

Your household has been selected to participate in an important survey - the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). The U.S. Census Bureau conducts this survey for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses your responses to the FHWAR survey to evaluate federal and state programs that manage wildlife populations and assist wildlife-related recreationists. The survey results also help identify the impact of environmental disasters on our Nation’s wildlife resources.

Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline to answer any particular question. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical purposes only.

Please complete the online questionnaire within the next two weeks by following the two easy steps listed below:

1. Go to https://respond.census.gov/fhwar

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen -
   
   Login ID:

Password:

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently.

Also enclosed are “Quick Facts” from the last FHWAR survey. If you have any additional questions about the survey or the questionnaire, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau by calling our toll-free number at 1–888-369-1081.

Thank you for your participation in this important survey.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this survey all about?

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service includes working with the states and other federal agencies to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its mission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

How will this information be used? How will it benefit me?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

Why me? Why not interview someone else?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your household represents hundreds of other households in your region, so it is important that we talk to you. Only you can report the recreational needs for your community. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

How long will the interview take?

We estimate that it will take approximately 5 minutes to complete the interview. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801.

Where can I find out more about the survey?

You can learn more about the survey by writing to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: WSFR, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

FHW-PS(L2) – Pre-screener Follow-up Letter (mid to late January 2016)

Household Address

City, State Zip code

Dear Resident:

Recently, we wrote to you requesting that your household participate in 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). To date, we have not received a response from your household.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses your responses to the FHWAR survey to evaluate federal and state programs that manage wildlife populations and assist wildlife-related recreationists. The survey results also help identify the impact of environmental disasters on our Nation’s wildlife resources.

Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline to answer any particular question. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical purposes only.

Please complete the online questionnaire by following the two easy steps listed below:

1. Go to https://respond.census.gov/fhwar

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen -
   
   Login ID:

Password:

If you prefer, you may complete the enclosed paper questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided rather than completing the questionnaire online. You can help us keep our costs down and help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service better manage our Nation’s natural resources by completing the study within the next two weeks. It will only take a few minutes of your time, and it will provide invaluable information regarding your household’s fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching interests.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. If you have any additional questions about the survey or the questionnaire, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau by calling our toll-free number at 1–888-369-1081.

Thank you for your participation in this important survey.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this survey all about?

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service includes working with the states and other federal agencies to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its mission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

How will this information be used? How will it benefit me?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

Why me? Why not interview someone else?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your household represents hundreds of other households in your region, so it is important that we talk to you. Only you can report the recreational needs for your community. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

How long will the interview take?

We estimate that it will take approximately 5 minutes to complete the interview. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801.

Where can I find out more about the survey?

You can learn more about the survey by writing to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: WSFR, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

FHW-Wl(L) – Wave 1 Advance Letter (late March 2016, CATI and CAPI)

Household Address

City, State Zip code

Dear Resident:

Your household has been selected for participation in the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts this survey for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service every five years; we last conducted the survey in 2011. We will be collecting information about people's involvement in fishing, hunting, and wildlife­ watching activities (feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife) during 2016. Fish and wildlife agencies and organizations will use the information to improve management of fish and wildlife resources.

We selected your address, not you personally, as part of a scientifically determined national sample. Your participation is voluntary, and there are no penalties for not answering any questions. Your help, however, is very important. Your household represents hundreds of other households in your state and your responses will provide valuable information that will help improve the national survey.

Sometime in the next few weeks, a Census Bureau representative will contact you to ask if members of your household have participated in fishing, hunting, or wildlife-watching activities since January 1, 2016, or if they are likely to participate before the end of the year. Your participation is essential to ensure that the survey results are complete and accurate. Your answers will be completely confidential.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. We have enclosed a reference aid, which will assist you in answering the survey questions. Please keep this reference aid handy for the interview.

Thank you for your cooperation. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­ related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities.

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BENEFIT ME?

The information you provide will help identify trends in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

WHY CAN'T YOU SELECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to survey all households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

HOW LONG WILL THIS INTERVIEW TAKE? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SURVEY?

For each person, we expect the interview to take from __ to __ minutes, with an average of __ minutes per person. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

WHAT CONFIDENTIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of Title 13 requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.

FHW-W2(L) – Wave 2 Advance Letter (late August 2016, CATI only)

Respondent Address

City, State Zipcode

Dear :

A few months ago, a U.S. Census Bureau representative contacted your household about the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. This sample survey collects information from people about their fishing, hunting, or wildlife-watching activities (feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife) throughout 2016.

Census Bureau representatives will begin contacting respondents by telephone in early September to ask about fishing, hunting, or wildlife-watching activities during 2016. We will ask questions about where and how often you participated in these activities, the amount you spent, and the equipment you purchased. Your participation is extremely important to ensure that the survey results are complete and accurate. Your answers will be completely confidential.

The Census Bureau collects data for this survey in two ways: by telephone or by personal visit to your residence. Personal visits are very expensive. You can help us keep our costs down by calling us toll-free at 1-888-369-1081 to complete a telephone interview at a time convenient for you. Our telephone center will be open seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, beginning September 1, 2016.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. We have also enclosed a reference aid, which will assist you in answering the survey questions. Please keep this reference aid handy for the interview.

Thank you for your cooperation. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­ related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities.

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BENEFIT ME?

The information you provide will help identify trends in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

WHY CAN'T YOU SELECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to survey all households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

HOW LONG WILL THIS INTERVIEW TAKE? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SURVEY?

For each person, we expect the interview to take from __ to __ minutes, with an average of __ minutes per person. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

WHAT CONFIDENTIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of Title 13 requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.

FHW-W3(L1) – Wave 3 Advance Letter (late December, CATI only)

Respondent Address

City, State Zipcode

Dear :

Thank you for participating in the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Sometime in the next few weeks, a U.S. Census Bureau representative will contact you for one final interview.

The information collected for this survey helps to evaluate programs that support wildlife refuges, habitats, endangered species, and national parks. The survey results also help to identify the impact of environmental disasters such as the recent oil spills on our nation’s wildlife and natural resources.

We will ask questions about where and how often you participated in wildlife-associated activities, the amount you spent, and the equipment you purchased since we last interviewed you. Your answers will be completely confidential.

Your help is voluntary and there are no penalties for not answering any questions. Your participation is extremely important to ensure that the final results are complete and accurate.

The U.S. Census Bureau collects data for this survey in two ways: by telephone or by personal visit to your residence. Personal visits are very expensive. You can help us keep our costs down by calling us toll free at 1-888-369-1081 to complete a telephone interview at a time convenient for you. Our telephone center will be open seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, beginning January 4, 2017.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. We have also enclosed a reference aid, which will assist you in answering the survey questions. Please keep this reference aid handy for the interview.

Thank you for your cooperation. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your continued participation.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs ImprovementsAct of 2000.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­ related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities.

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BENEFIT ME?

The information you provide will help identify trends in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

WHY CAN'T YOU SELECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to survey all households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

HOW LONG WILL THIS INTERVIEW TAKE? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SURVEY?

For each person, we expect the interview to take from __ to __ minutes, with an average of __

minutes per person. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

WHAT CONFIDENTIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of Title 13 requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.

FHW-W3(L2) – Wave 3 Advance Letter (late December, CAPI only)

Respondent Address

City, State Zipcode

Dear :

Thank you for participating in the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Sometime in the next few weeks, a U.S. Census Bureau representative will contact you for one final interview.

The information collected for this sample survey helps to evaluate programs that support wildlife refuges, habitats, endangered species, and national parks. The survey results also help to identify the impact of environmental disasters such as the oil spills on our nation’s wildlife and natural resources.

We will ask questions about where and how often you participated in wildlife-associated activities, the amount you spent, and the equipment you purchased since we last interviewed you. Your answers will be completely confidential.

Your help is voluntary, and there are no penalties for not answering any questions. Your participation is extremely important to ensure that the final results are complete and accurate.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. We have also enclosed a reference aid, which will assist you in answering the survey questions. Please keep this reference aid handy for the interview.

Thank you for your cooperation. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your continued participation.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director

U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­ related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities.

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BENEFIT ME?

The information you provide will help identify trends in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

WHY CAN'T YOU SELECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to survey all households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

HOW LONG WILL THIS INTERVIEW TAKE? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SURVEY?

For each person, we expect the interview to take from __ to __ minutes, with an average of __ minutes per person. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

WHAT CONFIDENTIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of Title 13 requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.

FHW-W3 NI(L) – Wave 3 Advance Letter, no prior interview (late December 2016, CATI and CAPI)

Respondent Address City, State Zipcode

Dear :

Early last year, we contacted your household to participate in a national survey. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts this survey for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is important because the data collected are used to evaluate programs that support wildlife refuges, habitats, endangered species, and national parks. The survey results also help to identify the impact of environmental disasters such as the recent oil spills on our Nation’s wildlife and natural resources.

Your participation is voluntary but extremely important to ensure that the final survey results are complete and accurate. We will ask you questions about your wildlife- associated activities such as where and how often you participated, how much you spent, and what equipment you purchased. Because this is a sample survey, you represent hundreds of people in your state. Your answers will be completely confidential.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that survey participants ask most frequently. We have also enclosed a reference aid, which will assist you in answering the survey questions. Please keep this reference aid handy for the interview.

Thank you for your cooperation. The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

John Thompson

Director, U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. This survey, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR), is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?

In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state, local, and other federal agencies use the survey results to provide essential information on present recreation demand and to project future demand both nationally and on a state-by-state basis. The information is used to track trends in fish and wildlife­ related recreation and to help develop plans and projects that enhance sport fish and wildlife-related recreation activities.

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BENEFIT ME?

The information you provide will help identify trends in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Policymakers and natural resource managers will use this information to address your recreational needs and to plan resources, education, and recreation programs to meet your community's future needs.

WHY CAN'T YOU SELECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to survey all households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The survey's success depends on your voluntary participation.

HOW LONG WILL THIS INTERVIEW TAKE? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SURVEY?

For each person, we expect the interview to take from __ to __ minutes, with an average of __ minutes per person. Your response is voluntary. The Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0088, which expires XX/XX/2018. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22401-3801. The FHWAR Web site also has information about the survey. The address is: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/National_Survey.htm.

WHAT CONFIDENTIAL PROTECTION DO I HAVE?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of Title 13 requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.

2