INTRODUCTION
In recent years , many states have increased their use of virtual R3 and education programs . Given the trade-offs between personal interactions and online convenience , questions have been asked about which approach is best : in-person or virtual programs ? This project compared in-person and virtual R3 event delivery and offers recommendations .
METHOD
• Nine states participated ( pictured below ).
• A random sample of virtual and in-person event attendees from each state were surveyed to determine their satisfaction and opinion of both types of programs , along with motivations and an array of items related to content delivery and preferences . The survey was fielded in November and December , 2022 . In total , 3,464 individuals responded about their in-person and virtual R3 program experiences and impressions .
• License data from 2017 through 2022 were then analyzed to determine license buying patterns for in-person and virtual R3 event attendees .
Please Note : Hunter education classes were specifically excluded from this project . By and large , the events evaluated here were those taken at the discretion of the individual and not required by law or regulation to participate in any activity . Also , New Mexico provided summary data for R3 events and were not included in the survey portion of the project .
2 | sportsmensalliance . org