PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is hoping to find out just how much hunters, anglers, park visitors and wildlife viewers spend in the state.

The Capital Journal reports that the department is paying an economic analysis company $40,000 to study the economic impact of activities managed by the department.

Agency Administrative Chief Scott Simpson says a federal survey that the department has been using for years might not be reliable because of a small sample size.

The last national survey was released in 2011. It estimated that in South Dakota, 662,000 people spent $967 million on outdoors-related activities.

Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kelly Hepler says the state study will help the department determine how best to allocate resources. Results are expected by midsummer.

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