1028-NEW SS-B - Hunter Harvest and Satisfaction Survey on Green Bay and Lake Michigan

Supporting Statement B

Hunter Harvest and Satisfaction Survey on Green Bay and Lake Michigan

OMB Control Number 1028-NEW

Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," the following documentation should be included in Supporting Statement B to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The single cavass in this information is any hunter that hunts the open waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The current estimate for hunters participating in this environment is 3,250 but it is unlikely that all will participate in the online survey. Previous online surveys indicate that we can expect around 300 responses with an unknown response rate. Our response rate is unknown as we promote the survey through social media, and it is unknown how many waterfowl hunters hunt in these open water environments. Previous in-person surveys resulted in responses from just over 125 individuals, and we had a 100% response rate during in-person survey efforts. With sampling at a different set of hunter access sites, we anticipate responses from 150-200 hunters during our in-person surveys.

Table 2 Respondent burden

Participant / Activity	Number of Responses	Minute per response	Burden Hours	Dollar Value for Burden Hr
Public individual reads announcement or instructions and completes in Person Surveys	300	10	50	$2,052
Public individual reads announcement or instructions and completes Online Survey	300	10	50	$2,052
Total	600		100	$4,104

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

The canvass for each survey is slightly different. For the online survey, we want to gather as much information as possible from hunters, including how satisfied they are with the current regulation structure. For the in-person survey, we are interested in using generalized linear mixed models to assess how environmental conditions influence hunter participation and harvest. Our survey days are randomly selected for our in-person surveys to evaluate how environmental conditions impact participation. Thus, the statistical methods are not focused on how to survey more hunters.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Data from the online survey will be taken as is, to provide input to resource managers, such as input on regulatory season frameworks and species harvested in this open water environment. Data from the in-person survey will either be imputed from other responses that day or left as no-response, using only known (e.g., gathered information) to develop models.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The sole customer for this data is the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Periodic consultation with this agency is performed to ensure that the data collected are meeting its needs. At present, no formal tests are in progress that would require clearance.

5. Provide the names and telephone numbers of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

For further information concerning this information collection, please contact:

• Luke J. Fara, Biologist, 608-781-6233, lfara@usgs.gov

[OMB-OIRA has produced a number of documents that may serve as useful reference material for completing Supporting Statement B. These can be found at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg_statpolicy ]