Do States Publish Aggregate Data From Harvest Reports?

Aggregate Data Sources

States often use data from harvest reports to inform wildlife management decisions and provide information to stakeholders, including hunters, conservation organizations, and the general public. In the United States, for example, the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FSHWAR) collects data on hunting and fishing participation, including hunter numbers and harvest rates. The survey is conducted every five years by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and provides valuable insights into hunter behavior and harvest trends. Additionally, many states, such as Wisconsin and Michigan, publish annual reports on deer harvest data, including the number of deer harvested, hunter participation, and the percentage of hunters who harvested a deer. These reports often provide detailed information on harvest trends by county, species, and season.

Examples of Published Data

Some examples of aggregate data published by states include:

• Wisconsin’s Deer Hunter Harvest Survey, which reports on deer harvest numbers, hunter participation, and deer density trends.
• Michigan’s Deer Harvest Report, which provides information on deer harvest numbers, hunter participation, and deer-vehicle collisions.
• New York’s Big Game Harvest Report, which summarizes deer and bear harvest data, including the number of animals harvested, hunter participation, and success rates.

Accessing Aggregate Data

Aggregate data from harvest reports can be accessed through various sources, including state wildlife agency websites, online databases, and publications. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s FSHWAR database provides access to data on hunting and fishing participation, including hunter numbers and harvest rates. State wildlife agencies often also publish annual or biennial reports on harvest data, which can be downloaded from their websites. Additionally, many states provide access to raw data from harvest reports, allowing researchers and stakeholders to analyze and interpret the data in more detail.