
of the kill is recorded here as reported by hunters. In a general 
way, the statistical reliability of the report is greater for areas 
with larger numbers of outlets sampled, higher hunter numbers and 
kills, and for species where the larger bags are recorded over wider 
areas. In contrast, the statistical reliability of the report is 
known to be considerably less where fewer outlets, fewer hunters, 
or lower kills are involved, or where hunting for a species is con- 
centrated at relatively few points. 
STATISTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 1960-61 SURVEY 
The number of sampling outlets used, the number of questionnaires 
mailed, and the number returned are shown in the following table: 
Number of Number of 
Post Office Hunters Receiving Number Percentage 
Flyway Outlets Questionnaires Responding Responding 
At lantic* 724 15,811 10,084 63.8 
Mississippi 611 25,116 16,228 64.6 
Central 147 6,700 4,301 64.2 
Pacific 160 9 ,033 6, 344 70.2 
Total 1,642 56,660 36,839 65.0 
“Beginning with the 1957-58 season, the sample size was increased for 
certain States, who then carried part of the expense by cost contracts. 
Contracts for this additional sampling were in effect with 14 States 
in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways during the 1960-61 season. 
RESULTS 
Waterfowl Kill. 
It was estimated that 7,435,854 ducks were retrieved during the 
1960-61 waterfowl season in the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii), 
as shown in table 1. This was an increase of a little more than 5 percent 
