Comparison of Two Angler Data Collection Methods In North Dakota

North Dakota's recreational fishing industry is an important part of the state's economic base. Resident and nonresident anglers spent nearly $260 million dollars on fishing-related activities in the state in 1990 (Baltezore and Leitch 1992). Management of a resource that generates this amount of economic activity requires accurate and periodic information. Management uses information in at least two ways. Information is initially used to make a decision. Once a decision is made, additional information is collected to assess the results or outcomes of that decision. In effect, information is used to make a decision and monitor changes resulting from that decision (Kerestes and Leitch 1983). Periodic information is needed to monitor the outcomes of management's decision.