Bowhunter Survey
Survey Information
Each year the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (Wildlife Resources Section) in cooperation with the West Virginia Bowhunters Association conducts a survey of bowhunters. This survey provides valuable information to help manage the white-tailed deer resource and other wildlife in our state.
We need your observations of deer and other wildlife seen while bowhunting. The survey is also a forum for bowhunters to express their opinions and thoughts to the DNR.
This year's survey period will run from September 28, 2024 through November 24, 2024. This daily log survey tracks your bowhunting activities and harvest. Whether you hunt every day or just once or twice, your survey is very important.
You have two options for the survey - filling out a paper form or complete the survey through an app using your phone or computer (Windows only)!
2023 Bowhunter Report
We've updated our dynamic and interactive dashboard to display the Bowhunter Survey Results! Visit the dashboard by clicking the button below.
Disclaimer: Although viewable on most smartphones, the dashboard works best from a computer or tablet.
If you prefer to view the PDF report that has been mailed to cooperators in the past, you can download it here .
Use Your Phone
Please consider taking the Bowhunter Survey using the Survey123 App!
The top benefit of using your mobile device is the ability to work on the survey while in the field - even without cellphone service!
Step 1: To access this survey, please download the Survey123 App from the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Once downloaded, you can click 'Continue without signing in.'
If viewing this site on the smartphone you plan to take the survey on, click the button below. Otherwise, continue to Step 2.
Step 2: At the top of the Survey123 App screen, on the right-hand side of the search bar, there is a button to scan a QR code. Click this button and scan the provided QR code.
The survey does not need to be completed in one sitting. You can click the 'X' in the top left of the survey and save your draft at any time. The responses you have entered will be there when you come back!
Please note, you may only submit one survey per person. Be sure to complete your daily record and questionnaire before submitting.
If you have any further questions about using Survey123 for the Bowhunter Survey, please contact WVDNR GIS Staff via email DNRGIS@wv.gov.
Use Your Computer
We received some feedback last year from cooperators wanting to take the survey from their computer. If you would prefer to use your computer instead of your phone, here's how:
To access this survey on your computer, please download the Survey123 App from the Microsoft Store . Once downloaded, you can click 'Continue without signing in.'
Next, click the button below to access the survey!
The survey does not need to be completed in one sitting. You can click the 'X' in the top left of the survey and save your draft at any time. The responses you have entered will be there when you come back!
Please note, you may only submit one survey per person. Be sure to complete your daily record and questionnaire before submitting.
If you have any further questions about using Survey123 for the Bowhunter Survey, please contact WVDNR GIS Staff via email DNRGIS@wv.gov.
Paper Survey
Paper surveys are mailed to the previous year's participating cooperators. Each cooperator should fill out their own form. If you need additional forms or would like to participate for the first time via paper survey, please contact the Game Management Services secretary at (304) 637-0245.
On the back of the daily log is a short questionnaire and comment section where you can tell us what you think about spring gobbler hunting. We recommend placing your daily log somewhere you see it every day as a reminder to fill it out. At the close of the season, simply tape or staple the form with the return address on the outside, stick a stamp on it and mail it back to the DNR. All cooperators returning a survey form will receive a copy of the annual Spring Gobbler Survey Report. Be sure you record your name and address on the outside of the survey form in the space provided. We can’t mail you a report without your address!
Purchase Your License
Plan A Hunting Trip
Thank You & Good Luck!
Thank you very much for participating and helping us manage your white-tailed deer resource. Good luck bowhunting and have a safe and fun time this fall.
