In 2020, the number of virtual hunter and angler education programs increased significantly

Virtual programs can serve many more people than in-person events, can be scaled to meet demand, and have significantly lower costs per attendee than in-person classes. As in-person classes resume, states are asking "which format - virtual or in-person - is more effective in creating new hunting and fishing license buyers, and when is each appropriate?"this project will answer that question by comparing the percent of virtual and in-person event participants who purchased licenses within a year of the event. Purchase rates will be examined over multiple years, including 2020, and differences will be explored by type of education program (fishing, hunter education, advanced skills training, etc.), age, region and more.participants will be surveyed to identify if virtual or in-person methods are preferred and the pros and cons of each. The results will drive the design and mix of future state agency and NGO education efforts. Without answers to these questions, future state and NGO education programs will not achieve their maximum potential.