Why It Matters: Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a mentor to introduce them to hunting and teach them everything they need to know. To help teach new hunters, many state fish and wildlife agencies offer classes or mentored hunting opportunities. These opportunities can lead to recruiting new hunters, who will be encouraged to continue participating in our time-honored traditions.
Highlights:
- Learn to Hunt opportunities provide new hunters with the chance to learn everything they need to know before they hit the fields or woods.
- South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) is offering a deer camp for first time youth hunters, where each youth hunter will be paired with an experienced guide.
- Nebraska Game and Parks (NGP) is offering a “Ladies Learn to Pheasant Hunt,” where the basics of pheasant hunting will be taught.
When it comes to going on your first hunt, there is plenty of information that a hunter needs to know before they hit the field. Unfortunately, not everyone who wants to hunt has the mentors to teach them the basics they need to know. State fish and wildlife agencies like SDGFP and NGP offer opportunities for first time hunters to learn the basics of hunting. These Learn to Hunt programs provide the first step that is needed to get new hunters engaged in our time-honored traditions. While this is an important first step to recruiting future generations of sportsmen and women, efforts to continue to keep new hunters engaged are needed to ensure they continue participating beyond the duration of the programs.
The deer camp offered by the South Dakota Game. Fish, and Parks Department will teach the best ammunition and firearm for deer hunting, firearm safety, sighting in a firearm, and field dressing. The Nebraska “Ladies Learn to Pheasant Hunt” will teach the new hunters firearm handling, upland bird cleaning, and meal preparation using the pheasants. Importantly, these programs also teach hunters to take safe and ethical shots, instilling confidence afield.
To find Learn to Hunt opportunities, please check your state’s fish and wildlife agencies website to see what is offered.
