DNR seeks input from sportsmen

Hunters and anglers have a chance to tell tge Michigan Department of Natural Resources how to improve its annual hunting digests and fishing guide. Feedback gathered from focus groups and surveys conducted over the next several months will aid the DNR’s efforts to make these publications more useful to customers.

“We want our customers to clearly understand the information and regulations before they head out into Michigan’s woods and waters,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “This project is about presenting the regulations so hunters and anglers can enjoy harvesting game and fish with less confusion and with confidence that they’re following the law.”

The DNR will conduct focus groups with avid and novice hunters and anglers in late February and March. “We’ll be talking in-depth with our customers about what they find helpful and problematic about the current guides and their suggestions for potential improvements, with the end goal of generating some ideas for new publications that work best for hunters and anglers,” Stokes added.

Once the focus groups are complete, the DNR will conduct a survey based on the groups’ feedback. Stokes explained that input from the survey – which will be sent to thousands of people who have purchased a hunting or fishing license in the past and members of conservation organizations – will help inform decisions about revamping the guides.

Improved digests and guides will be distributed in 2013.

Anyone who has ever hunted, trapped, or fished in Michigan is invited to complete a brief survey now through Feb. 3, 2012. The data received from this preliminary survey will help identify discussion topics for the focus groups.

To complete the Hunting and Trapping Digest survey, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MichiganHuntTrapDigest

To complete the Fishing Guide survey, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MichiganFishingGuide