The Future of Hunting | R3 and Hunting Heritage

You’ve probably heard about the threat to hunting heritage more and more the last couple years. Hunting participation levels are in decline. License dollars are shrinking, which means habitat projects and conservation could suffer. It’s a lot of doom and gloom in the news.

That’s why many state agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been developing hunting R3 programs for years. What is R3, you ask?

• Recruitment – when a non-hunter/someone who has never hunted before goes hunting
• Retention – keeping hunters interested in hunting so that they keep doing it
• Reactivation – getting someone who hasn’t hunted in several years to go hunting again

I recently reached out to several of the country’s experts on hunting heritage and R3 efforts. They provided some really interesting feedback, which I think you’ll enjoy.

---

I was curious to know what the experts thought was the absolute biggest roadblock for new hunters or hunting heritage in general. Every one of them mentioned the need for existing hunters to mentor new ones. Without the existing hunting community stepping up to help guide new hunters, the participation rates will continue to decline.

James Burnham – R3 Coordinator for Minnesota DNR

James believes there are four primary challenges for R3 and hunting heritage, including lack of a place to go, lack of skills, lack of gear, and lack of time.  But he also noted, “…the single biggest obstacle I see for R3 is the resistance I see within our own hunting and fishing communities to sharing these fantastic traditions with new adult hunters…New adults tend to be viewed as immediate competition for the hunting spots or filling a tag, when kids are not viewed that way.” Although mentors usually feel better about working with children, youth don’t have the same ability or resources to continue hunting. By recruiting young families, we can get more bang for our buck. James mentioned, “This situation is ideal, because it means we haven’t just recruited one or two new adults, but have gotten a whole family into hunting and fishing.”

Keith Warnke – R3 Team Supervisor for Wisconsin DNR

Keith mentioned there is a serious lack of mentors to provide guidance to new hunters through different outdoor activities besides just hunting. He noted that there is a lot of demand and interest in skills training, but, “The biggest obstacle to R3 is awareness and engagement of hunters and anglers in becoming mentors…we have to have droves of hunters actively offering inclusive non-judgmental training.”

Cyrus Baird – Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Cyrus believes the biggest threat or obstacle is that there still seems to be no realization or recognition by the hunting community that there is a problem, despite the science and data behind it. Many existing hunters used to have a lot of places to hunt, and now only get to hunt one piece of public land, so the perception might be that there are more hunters. It’s a matter of explaining and conveying that issue to a broader audience.

Hank Forester – Hunting Heritage Programs Manager at QDMA

Hank echoed the need for existing hunters to mentor new ones. Hunter participation rates continue to drop (we’ve lost 30% of all hunters in the last 10 years). He added, “Every year the average age of a hunter gets almost a year older, which means we aren’t bringing new hunters into the mix. Without major changes, this trend will continue and accelerate.” However, he also noted, “On the positive side, 78% of Americans approve of hunting for meat. That means there are a lot of potential hunters out there and what they need most is a mentor.” Hank also pointed to this very interesting graph illustrating the shift in ages over time.

Cortney Schaefer – Hunting Heritage Program Manager for Pheasants Forever

Cortney believed there are two roadblocks for new hunters and R3 efforts. “We still have to convince current hunters that declining hunter numbers are an issue and that we need their help to reverse the trend.” Cortney added, “The Nature of Americans study tells us that 32% of Americans have some or a lot of interest in hunting. If we assume that the 5% of Americans who hunt were included in that number, that still leaves us with 27% of the US population who is interested in hunting. And yet we are still struggling to connect with that quarter of the US population who might become hunters with a little guidance.”

Jesse St. Andre – R3 Advisor for Northwoods Collective

Jesse listed three different barriers that could be a threat to hunting heritage. First, mainstream hunting media “…is essentially at the core of hunter decline as it has failed to inspire new generations and lacks the authenticity and raw emotions needed to paint a positive image to both hunter and non.” Second, government programs aimed at addressing the R3 movement often get stuck in bureaucratic loops and are unable to adapt quickly. Last, hunters keep dividing themselves with relatively minor issues. Jesse commented, “Truth be told, there’s a fair amount of the hunting community that does purely hunt for sport or trophy and are completely ego driven...There is almost no part of hunting which isn’t contested by other hunters. Crossbows vs. vertical bows, antler point restrictions vs. none, baiting vs. not baiting, and the list goes on.”

Taniya Bethke – R3 Coordinator for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

Taniya listed four different obstacles for R3 efforts. The first is that new generations have different values regarding nature, land, how they obtain their food, and they generally do not support trophy hunting. Second, many programs exist for youth, but there is still a lack of recruitment efforts for adult hunters. There has also been a cultural shift recently regarding gun violence, and the challenge is how we can start to disassociate hunting for food from “my cold dead hands” and second amendment/gun rights. Taniya posed the question, “What is responsible gun ownership?” We need to redo that image. The last thing to point out is that R3 and hunting are only a piece of future conservation sustainability. They’re very important, but it’s not just up to consumptive users. Hikers, campers, boaters, bikers, and others are also a critical piece of the conservation puzzle.

---

The positive trends communicated by these experts included a growing awareness and interest in this issue, from groups and individuals alike.

James Burnham – R3 Coordinator for Minnesota DNR

James mentioned a really positive trend, which is the growth of women hunters in Minnesota. “Between 2000 and 2015, we saw a growth of almost 20,000 women that purchased hunting licenses…We’re seeing a lot of data that indicates that the odds of kids hunting and fishing is much greater when Mom hunts or fishes.” Considering women haven’t been targeted as much (or at all) in past hunting marketing efforts, this is a really great trend!

Keith Warnke – R3 Team Supervisor for Wisconsin DNR

According to Keith, there is a lot of growing interest from multiple groups, but we still need to explain “why” we hunt. Entering these conversations with an authentic reason for why you love hunting is a great way to share your enthusiasm. Keith added, “People want to know what you believe in, not how much you (as a hunter) know.”

Cyrus Baird – Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Cyrus indicated a really positive trend nationwide is that lots of state agencies, NGOs, and industry groups are seeing the problem and coordinating efforts to resolve them. Positions are being created specifically to help address the decline in hunting participation.

Hank Forester – Hunting Heritage Programs Manager at QDMA

Hank mentioned that QDMA members are truly hearing this issue and responding by mentoring new hunters. “More and more hunters are realizing their most rewarding hunts are when they take someone new.” Since the mentoring piece is so critical and echoed throughout these comments, this is a very positive trend.

Cortney Schaefer – Hunting Heritage Program Manager for Pheasants Forever

Cortney and I talked about how most R3 programs have been focused on kids in the past, but “…one of our major efforts has been transitioning from the idea of focusing on youth to focusing on recruiting young adults and families.” This makes a lot of sense since adults have more financial resources, decision-making authority, access to transportation, etc. and can teach their own kids as or after they learn.

Jesse St. Andre – R3 Advisor for Northwoods Collective

Jesse noted an interesting positive trend, which is the interest in younger people in addressing this problem. The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) organized the nation’s first R3 symposium in Lincoln, Nebraska this year, and “…for the first time millennials weren’t outnumbered 5 to 1 by old white guys. In fact if I had to guess I’d say millennials made up more than one third of the attendants.” That’s a very encouraging shift because it shows younger and more diverse audiences are stepping up to tackle this issue head-on.

Taniya Bethke – R3 Coordinator for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

Taniya mentioned several positive trends she has noticed. Similar to Cortney’s comment, the state of South Dakota is expanding its target audience beyond just youth for the same reasons discussed above. She also noted that education and communication teams seem to be changing the marketing imagery from the typical “male, pale, and stale” group to more female, diverse, and younger groups. Last, Taniya noted how more agencies (including South Dakota) are removing some of the legal barriers, by offering more classes, expanding the options for hunter education, providing additional land access, and introducing apprentice hunting licenses.

---

Many of the answers to this question resonated with myself, as I grew up hunting and it is an important part of my family traditions. But there were a few interesting answers to this one that I hadn’t considered before.

James Burnham – R3 Coordinator for Minnesota DNR

James explained that hunting allows him to be an active participant in the outdoors and operate in a different mode than when he is biking, backpacking, or even bird-watching. It also helps him connect to his food source in a different way. He noted, “…while I do not need to hunt to put food on my table, I personally feel that if I am going to make the choice to eat meat, then I need to be able to take the steps to ethically produce that meat. Hunting has made it impossible for me to think that meat is just an abstract hunk of protein that comes shrink-wrapped in cellophane at the grocery store.”

Keith Warnke – R3 Team Supervisor for Wisconsin DNR

Keith believes in hunting heritage and the outdoor lifestyle for several reasons:

• Relevance – the evolution of hunting participation will be key to maintaining the relevance of his profession.
• Restorative – overall health, wellness, and fun that hunting and angling can produce.
• Reciprocity – the participation in and connection to our ecosystems will result in giving back and caring more.

Keith added, “We’ve been handed this [hunting heritage] legacy, now there’s a need to give back and pass along.”

Cyrus Baird – Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Cyrus explained that hunting was very important to him growing up. His dad taught him how and it was hunting heritage in the most real sense. He loved it so much that he wanted to make that a part of what he does for a living/career. Now he’s the Programs Director for CAHSS.

Hank Forester – Hunting Heritage Programs Manager at QDMA

Hank grew up with a natural desire to hunt and be a “mountain man” in western North Carolina. “My parents loved the outdoors but didn’t hunt. I was lucky to have a good friend and his father who allowed me to tag along on hunting trips.” Now he hopes to pass this on by creating similar opportunities for other new hunters.

Cortney Schaefer – Hunting Heritage Program Manager for Pheasants Forever

Cortney grew up hunting and still loves doing it, but her primary passion is spending time training and watching her dogs hunt. She breeds, trains, tests, and judges German hunting dogs. “To me, there is nothing better in the world than seeing a dog lock up on point…I am continually impressed by the dogs’ natural abilities and how much they are capable of when we just put the time in to properly train them.” Hunting dogs are certainly an important part of hunting heritage, and it’s exciting to see that enthusiasm being passed on.

Jesse St. Andre – R3 Advisor for Northwoods Collective

For Jesse, there is a long history of hunting heritage in both his and his wife’s families, so they want to pass that legacy down to their kids and try to sew it within the fabric of their daily lives. Jesse commented, “I still hunt with a shotgun from the early 1960’s that my grandfather gave to my father who gave to me. Do I have newer and more efficient firearms? Yes, but I hardly use them.” That kind of legacy and rich family history are what drives him to teach others about hunting, including his own kids.

Taniya Bethke – R3 Coordinator for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

Taniya offered a unique perspective on this question, which I really appreciated. She did not grow up hunting, and so she doesn’t connect to the typical hunting heritage idea. But observing those values in others can teach you about what’s important in a different way. The process of becoming a hunter is very different for each individual. While existing hunters might associate hunting with grandpa’s old beater truck, new hunters might be using eco-efficient cars. So it’s hard for them to connect to that image. But if you focus on what both groups can still attach to and appreciate (such as being outdoors, seeing wildlife, local food, etc.), it’s easier to connect.

---

Two themes stood out to me while answering this question. Most of the experts believed that local food and the process of wild game meal preparation were fantastic tools to attract new hunters. Several of them specifically called out the QDMA Field to Fork program. Another theme was using different approaches to attract new hunters. Some examples could include hunting dogs, general outdoor clubs, and other inclusive events.

James Burnham – R3 Coordinator for Minnesota DNR

James believes that technology and social media platforms can help us effectively share outdoor experiences, wild game meals, etc. to broader audiences. “I know a lot of folks bristle at having a phone in the field…but they can do a tremendous job in allowing the hunters in the field to share their experiences...These images and ‘real-time’ sharing of experiences while in the field can be a powerful tool for involving new hunters.”

On the flip side, social media can be a destructive tool too. James added, “As hunters, it’s on us to present the best example we can when sharing our experiences with others and being conscious that careless photos or videos can turn off people who might otherwise be curious about these activities.”

Keith Warnke – R3 Team Supervisor for Wisconsin DNR

Keith brought up a very good point for this question. We need to provide multiple, inclusive, and positive experiences for new hunters that cover several hunting aspects. “We must realize that becoming a hunter/angler/outdoor lifestyler is a PROCESS. It is not a one time training.” Existing hunters didn’t suddenly learn how to hunt because they took one class. They learned over many years and are still learning about it.

Cyrus Baird – Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Cyrus stated that a creative way to introduce new hunters is to meet them on the foodie and urban level. Learning how to hunt your food is a critical aspect for Zero to Hunt, so I appreciated this comment. He also specifically mentioned the QDMA Field to Fork program, which Hank discusses in more detail below.

Hank Forester – Hunting Heritage Programs Manager at QDMA

Hank cited the QDMA Field to Fork program as a creative way to introduce new hunters. It has been very successful, and they are hosting 15 events across the country this year alone. Hank and Charles Evans (the Georgia R3 Coordinator) piloted this program. Hank explained, “…we set up a table at our local farmers market offering samples of venison. If someone stops and enjoys the venison, we talk to them about a mentored deer hunting program we offer. We’re currently starting our third year of the program and it’s been a huge success.”

Cortney Schaefer – Hunting Heritage Program Manager for Pheasants Forever

Cortney brought up another really innovative and cool idea that I hadn’t considered before. A good way to get new hunters involved is to use hunting dogs and gun dog breeds. She stated, “I have seen people who have never hunted before getting into hunting because they purchased a gundog breed, happened to see some of its innate ability, and were motivated to hunt themselves to help the dog develop its natural instinct.” If you’ve seen experienced bird dogs work in the field before, you can’t help but appreciate it. “We need to recognize that gundog owners could be a significant opportunity for new hunter recruitment in the future.  Some folks in our German breed clubs are even giving away free puppies to first-time hunters to try to help recruit a new hunter through a good gundog.”

Jesse St. Andre – R3 Advisor for Northwoods Collective

Jesse commented, “For years the locavore movement unknowingly has recruited hunters due to the assimilation of values between those who hunt and those who seek a local diet free from industrialized food.” Local food makes people pay attention to where it’s coming from. The next natural extension to that is hunting your own food. “QDMA in cooperation with Georgia DNR [i.e., Field to Fork program] are perhaps the first hunting organization and state agency to witness this same effect and actually capitalize on it.”

Taniya Bethke – R3 Coordinator for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

Taniya brought up two good points for this question. Outdoor groups/clubs that aren’t directly focused on hunting are a great gateway for new hunters. For example, some people may not be interested initially in going to a hunter education class. But they might like a foraging or backpacking group. After connecting with a community of people, they might want to learn more about hunting and can be slowly introduced to it.

The second interesting point is that after new hunters get a little experience, they should try peer mentoring another brand new hunter. “It’s easier for new hunters to relate to someone who is only a few steps ahead of them.” At the same time, the mentor learns more through the process of teaching. They can learn together through that peer mentoring process.

---

Everybody hates this kind of question. Is there really a best way to do anything? But again, one common theme popped up several times: mentoring.

James Burnham – R3 Coordinator for Minnesota DNR

James believes that new hunters need to keep asking people for help until they have a community behind them. “I think the best way is to be brave about asking others to take them out and being persistent with their efforts...It’s intimidating to go up to folks, especially if you don’t know them, and ask them about hunting or fishing.” But he also noted that most hunters are open to teaching and taking new hunters out into the field. Additionally, “[The MN DNR has] a growing Learn to Hunt program that focuses on the practical skills needed to safely and ethically harvest wild game for food.” In those classes, you can also meet others who you can pursue the peer mentorship process with together.

Keith Warnke – R3 Team Supervisor for Wisconsin DNR

Keith echoed James’ sentiments, stating, “Ask someone to take you along. Call me. Sign up for training classes. Look at Powderhook.com for digital mentoring.” All of those pieces involve putting yourself out there and meeting a mentor to help you. The Wisconsin DNR was one of the first to start learn to hunt programs. Cortney also discusses the Powderhook platform in more detail below.

Cyrus Baird – Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Cyrus continued with the mentorship theme, but clarified that we need more true mentorship in the field. Even taking someone out once or twice to show them a few things helps tremendously in building someone’s confidence. He also mentioned there are lots of helpful apps, websites, and informational resources, but the field component is critical.

Hank Forester – Hunting Heritage Programs Manager at QDMA

Hank’s advice was simple and to the point: “Find a mentor.” Are you noticing a pattern yet?

Cortney Schaefer – Hunting Heritage Program Manager for Pheasants Forever

Cortney listed a few helpful resources for new hunters. First, Pheasants Forever has a resource called ‘GETTING STARTED: Pheasants Forever’s Guide for Beginners’ – here is the link. She also mentioned visiting www.Powderhook.com, which is home to the new PF National Hunter Mentor Database designed to “help interested new hunters find experienced and trained Hunter Mentors to take them hunting.” Finally, Cortney also listed the National Shooting Sports Foundation (www.wheretohunt.org), which includes helpful resources on laws and regulations, licenses, hunter education classes, and places to hunt.

Jesse St. Andre – R3 Advisor for Northwoods Collective

Jesse honestly admitted, “There is no silver bullet when it comes to R3…This being said, the best way for a new hunter to get started is for them to not face the three barriers that I mentioned in the first question,” which were outdated hunting media, government programs, and hunter division.

Taniya Bethke – R3 Coordinator for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

Taniya again mentioned the peer mentorship idea as the best way to start a new hunter. Match people with similar values in a non-threatening and supportive environment, and you’d be surprised how quickly the passion spreads. Additionally, she leads a Harvest SD class in a few different locations.

---

The Future of Hunter Recruitment?

After talking to each of the experts above, several things stood out to me. It’s clear that mentoring is a must for new hunters. Without that in-field experience and supportive individual or community, it’s easy for new hunters to lose interest and drift away. It’s encouraging that this issue is growing in interest and awareness. That being said, there’s still a lot of work to be done and you play an important role in it. There are plenty of different and creative ways to get a new hunter started, as the folks above mentioned. Try using wild game food, hunting dogs, and non-hunting related groups to include a new hunter. We all need to pitch in to reverse the decline in hunting and create a new generation of hunting heritage.