Hunting and Fishing Statistics System
In the late fall of 2000, the Montana Board of Outfitters (MBO) contacted Front Desk Software inquiring about developing a database application that would allow them to provide the Montana state legislature with statistical information concerning outfitters and guides. The MBO had contacted other contractors about this project and had been told that this project would cost around $250,000 and would take 12 to 16 months to complete. This was unacceptable to the board as it needed the information for the legislature that was meeting within two months. The price was also out of their budget.
 

Solution
 

Front Desk Software developed a network based database application that provided the MBO the ability to record statistical information for the guides and outfitters that it oversees and produce the reports that the Montana legislature needs to oversee the laws concerning these businesses.

The Hunting and Fishing Statistics System (HFSS) was developed for the MBO for under $20,000 and was completed within two months ensuring the board could produce the necessary reports for the legislature in 2001.
 

The HFSS application standard Microsoft Windows system utilizing a Microsoft Access database and a Visual Basic front end. Because this is a Windows based system, it uses familiar buttons, drop down boxes, menus, etc., which significantly reduces the training necessary for new employees.

The user has the most common functions available on a tool bar with all functions available on the application menu. Security is integrated into the application with three levels of security: Administration, Update and Read-Only.

Not only can this application be used across a network, the application can also be taken into to the field by MBO investigative officers.

  
 
The application tracks a number of pieces of data for the MBO:
  • Outfitter net client hunting use (NCHU) which lists the number of authorized licenses of each type for an outfitter.
  • Outfitter operation plans including facilities, equipment, business information and the types of hunting/fishing guide services provided.
  • Information on the land that is hunted or fished by an outfitter. This can be tracked to the nearest quarter of a quarter section.
  • Statistics on actual game taken and number of fishing clients served.
 
The HFSS application also has a number of built in reports that allow the MBO to produce reports for themselves and other entities, such as the Montana legislature.
 

Enhancements and Maintenance
As with all custom applications that Front Desk Software creates, we provide both a warranty period on our software and maintenance after the warranty period is up. During the 3 years following delivery of the project and its warranty period, Front Desk Software has provided a number of enhancements to the original application. Even with these enhancements, the cost of the HFSS application to the taxpayers of the state of Montana has been just under $38,000. Compared to the original estimate given the MBO this is a fraction of the $250,000 estimate and has well over tripled the functionality of the system from its original specifications.
 
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