The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) conducts a variety of surveys every year to engage with constituents on important topics related to hunting, trapping, and fishing. Harvest and effort information is critical for effective population management.
Some surveys collect information on harvest and effort from hunters, anglers, and trappers, while other surveys also collect information regarding human dimensions. Human dimensions research involves understanding how humans interact with their environment, as well as their preferences, attitudes, opinions, and behaviors towards natural resources management. It is important that we understand and integrate both the biological and social information, as it’s used to guide DWR’s management decisions and provides long-term trend data used for monitoring fish and wildlife populations. Participation in these surveys ensures that we have the data necessary to manage Virginia’s wildlife and inland fish to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.
If you have received an invitation to participate in a survey, please respond either by mail, email, or a link listed below. Some online surveys may require a login ID to access the survey, which will be found in your invitation.
Active Surveys
2025–2026 Trapper Survey
- A random selection of licensed trappers are invited by mail to take the annual trapper survey.
- The survey can be taken online or by paper. If you choose to fill out the paper version of the survey, simply fill it out and send it back in the pre-paid envelope.
- Results will be posted when available.
Quota Hunt Survey
- Hunters selected to participate in DWR Quota Hunts during the 2025–2026 hunting season will be sent an email invitation with a link to take a brief online survey.
Chesapeake Bay Recreational Fishing Survey
- DWR, and other fish and wildlife agencies around the Chesapeake Bay, are working in collaboration with researchers at Morgan State University to learn more about fishing experiences in 2025.
- A random selection of Virginia licensed anglers will be invited to participate in an online survey.
- If selected, you will receive an email with more information and directions to complete the survey.
For information or questions about any of our surveys, please contact surveys@dwr.virginia.gov.