Make it a mentorship
The recruitment, retainment and reactivation (R3) efforts underway across the hunting and fishing world are notable, monumental and ultimately important to the future of the outdoors and conservation. States across the map have created special youth hunting weekends ahead of the general openers and agencies sponsor dedicated programs for facilitating time in the field for young and inexperienced hunters in conjunction with non-profits like Pheasants Forever, the Ruffed Grouse Society and local rod and
gun clubs and their volunteers. The last 20 years have seen a seismic shift toward efforts focused on young people and recruiting new hunters to the fold. The transition of information from generation to generation has always been at the core of both the traditions of hunting and conservation. The next important step in taking these special days
or weekends and getting the most out of them is making them part of a larger mentorship process and building a relationship with new hunters ahead of and after the event.In this time where social distancing is still encouraged, it may be that one-on-one mentorship is the best option and working with just one or two mentees is the safest option. In that
process, however, comes the unique ability for hunters to connect personally, to encourage growth and pass on vital information for a more successful first hunt, setting the stage for a lifetime in the field.
