Automated Wildlife Data Systems

An automated license and data system may reduce license administration costs, thereby providing more funds for natural resource management. Licenses are easier to obtain and more accessible to hunters and anglers, which increases compliance. The names and addresses of license buyers are instantly established in a database that provides the agency with greatly improved survey capabilities. This database also eliminates the need for surveys to satisfy federal aid license certification requirements. There is great potential for the use of this database for management purposes, much of which fish and wildlife agencies (through the AWDS Program) are only beginning to realize. The results of data obtained from the MBHIP program have shown the effectiveness of this type of database. Additionally, this program provides coordination between States and the USFWS to make agencies aware of how federal funds can be utilized to develop and operate an automated licensing data system.

The current AWDS Program is extremely successful in assisting fish and wildlife agencies in the development, implementation and improvement of automated license data systems through improved communications, access to centralized information and the latest and most up-to-date information on new developments and technology. Systems that have proven to be effective can be accessed and analyzed for adoption by other agencies that do not have automated systems. Fish and wildlife agencies with automated systems will have access to cutting-edge technology so they can maintain state-of-the-art systems and become aware of potential enhancements to maximize the use of their systems. The AWDS Program maximizes benefits to fish and wildlife agencies in these areas:

Customer Service and Outreach - The AWDS Program will assist agencies in developing standardized and innovative methods to improve customer service and introduce marketing techniques that are simple and effective.

This program offers an innovative approach to answering your customers' needs. Through the developing technology of automating license systems, the potential exists for better service by continually updating the customer information in your database. Outreach programs can be tailored to effectively and efficiently reach your customers, and even your Legislators, through the use of your AWDS and expanded database.

Through the AWDS Program, learn how to . . .

	Be Responsive to Customer Needs
	Be Responsive to Disasters and Diseases
	Be Responsive to Legislators
	Be Responsive to Special Needs

Customer Retention - The AWDS Program will assist agencies in the development of databases that help to provide customer retention trends and/or initiate customer retention programs. With these databases in place, fish and wildlife agencies will be able to target license buyer groups with direct mailing, either surface or email, to hopefully increase participation rates.

Administration - This program will advance automated licensing and fiscal data collection in the states and provide coordination with and among the states to implement their AWDS.

Management - The AWDS Program will coordinate with fish and wildlife agencies to make it easier, faster and more convenient to manage the sale of licenses and stamps and to gather other important resource management information. With the ability to create a database of information, the AWDS can be used for various types of management purposes.