Standardization of Missouri Angler Surveys

One component in evaluating the need for or the result of a fishing regulation is an angler survey. In recent years, efforts have advanced the way an individual survey is designed, conducted, and analyzed. However, managing approximately 30-40 on-site angler surveys each year led Missouri to develop and implement stringent data processing guidelines. These guidelines ensure survey objectives are addressed; appropriate survey methodologies are used; clerks are properly trained; survey forms, questions, and coding are standardized; and data entry and analysis results are completed in a timely manner. The standardization techniques used in Missouri and the improvements generated as a result of these guidelines are discussed.