The number of active hunters in the USA has declined in recent years. That’s not good for wildlife management programs, which are supported, in large part, by hunting fees. Perhaps more importantly, the declin in the ranks of hunters weakens the base of support for the Second Amendment. Hunters are key to the future of firearms rights in America. We support efforts to increase the number of hunters, through mentoring and training programs.

The NRA’s American Hunter magazine has compiled a comprehensive list of hunting mentor programs, state by state. This is followed by listing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide hunter training. If you know individuals looking to get a start in hunting, check out these resources.

State Hunter Mentoring and Training Progams

Alabama | 205-339-5716
• Hunting Programs: outdooralabama.com/hunting

Alaska | 907-267-2534
• Hunter Education: huntereducation.alaska.gov

Arizona | 602-942-3000
• Mentor Camps: azgfd.com/Hunting/MentoredCamps/

Arkansas | 800-364-4263
• Arkansas Outdoors: agfc.com/en/get-involved/first-steps-outdoors/

California | 916-653-1235
• Programs: wildlife.ca.gov/hunter-education
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: nrm.dfg.ca.gov/ApprenticeHunts/Default.aspx

Colorado | 303-291-7248
• Hunter Outreach: cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/HunterOutreach.aspx

Connecticut | 860-424-3000
• Junior Hunter: ct.gov/deep/JuniorHunter

Delaware | 302-739-9910
• Hunter Ed: dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/HunterEd/Pages/HunterEd.aspx

Florida | 850-488-4676
• Mentor Program: myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/mentoring/
• Youth Program: myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/youth-hunting-program/

Georgia | 706-557-2335
• Mentor Program: georgiawildlife.com/mentor

Idaho | 208-334-3700
• Hunt Passport: idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/passport

Illinois | 217-300-5352
• Learn to Hunt: publish.illinois.edu/hunttrapillinois/
• Apprentice License: dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/pages/apprenticelicense.aspx

Indiana | 317-233-9382
• Hunting: in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2701.htm

Iowa | 515-725-8200
• Learn to Hunt: iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Hunter-Education/Learn-to-Hunt

Kansas | 620-672-5911
• Hunter Recruitment: ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Hunter-Recruitment
• Outdoor Mentors: outdoormentors.org/
• Youth Hunts: ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information

Kentucky | 800-858-1549 Ext. 4475; 502-330-8487
• Hunter’s Legacy Program: fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Hunter%27s-Legacy.aspx
• Field to Fork Program: fw.ky.gov/Pages/FieldtoFork.aspx

Louisiana | 337-948-0255
• Hunting Heritage: wlf.louisiana.gov/louisiana-hunting-heritage-program

Maine | 207-287-8000
• Hunting Licenses: maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/licenses-permits/hunting-license.html

Maryland | 877-620-8DNR (8367)
• Program: dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/Mentored-Hunt-Program.aspx
• Apprentice Licenses: dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/Pages/About-the-Apprenticeship-Hunting-License.aspx

Massachusetts | 508-398-6305
• Learn to Hunt: mass.gov/service-details/learn-to-hunt-programs

Michigan | 517-284-WILD (9453)
• Program: michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79147_82092—,00.html

Minnesota | 888-MINNDNR (646-6367); 651-296-6157
• Hunt Apprentice: dnr.state.mn.us/safety/apprentice/index.html

Mississippi | 601-432-2400
• Apprentice License: mdwfp.com/license/apprentice-license/

Missouri | 573-751-4115
• Hunter Apprentice: huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training/apprentice-hunter-program

Montana | 406-444-2535
• Apprentice Hunter Program: fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/apprenticeHunter/default.html
• Youth Hunts: fwp.mt.gov/hunting/youthOpportunities.html

Nebraska | 402-471-0641
• Mentored Hunts: outdoornebraska.gov/mentoredhunts/

Nevada | 775-688-1555
• Advanced Hunter Education: ndow.org/Education/Hunter_Ed/Classes/
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: ndow.org/Apprentice-License-Gives-Beginners-Chance-Experience-Hunting/

New Hampshire | 603-271-3421
• Hunter Apprentice: wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/apprentice.html

New Jersey | 609-292-2965
• Hunt Apprentice License: state.nj.us/dep/fgw/hntlic_apprentice.htm

New Mexico | 888-248-6866
• Hunter Education: wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/mentored-youth-hunter/

New York | 518-402-8966
• NY Outdoor: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/52495.html

North Carolina | 919-707-0031
• Hunting Heritage Program: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Hunting-Heritage-Program
• Getting a Mentor: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Becoming-a-Hunter/Getting-a-Mentor
• Apprentice Permit: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Hunting-Heritage-Apprentice-Permit

North Dakota | 701-328-6300
• Apprentice License: gf.nd.gov/licensing/apprentice-license

Ohio | 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)
• Hunting Basics: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-trapping-and-shooting-sports/hunting-and-trapping-basics/

Oklahoma | 405-521-3851
• Hunter Education: wildlifedepartment.com/education

Oregon |800-720-ODFW (6399); 503-947-6000
• Hunting Resources: dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/index.asp

Pennsylvania | 717-787-4250
• Mentored Hunting: pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Pages/MentoredHuntingPrograms.aspx

Rhode Island | 401-222-4700
• Youth Hunting: eregulations.com/rhodeisland/hunting/special-youth-paraplegic-hunting-opportunities/

South Carolina | 803-734-3833
• Hunting Licensednr.sc.gov/licenses/genlicense.html

South Dakota | 605-223-7660; 512 389-4800
• Youth Program: gfp.sd.gov/youth-mentored/
• Big-Game Mentor Program: gfpga.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/deer/mentored.aspx

Tennessee | 615-781-6500
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: tn.gov/twra/hunting/hunter-education.html
• Tennessee Outdoor Youth Summit: tn.gov/twra/stay-connected/tennessee-outdoor-youth-summit.html; 731-415-0641

Texas | 800-792-1112; 512-389-4800: 800-460-5494
• Mentored Hunting Workshops: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/mentored_hunting_workshops/
• Youth Hunting Program: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/youth_hunting/tx_youth_hunt_program/;

Utah | 801-538-4700
• Hunter Mentoring: wildlife.utah.gov/hunting-in-utah/1332-utah-hunter-mentoring-program.html

Vermont | 802-828-1000
• Youth Hunting: vtfishandwildlife.com/hunt/youth-hunting/
• Licenses: vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries/license-center/other-licenses/mentored-hunting-license; 802-828-1190, 802-828-1191

Virginia | 866-721-6911
• dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/apprentice-license/

Washington | 360-902-2200
• Hunting Education: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/he_deferral.html

Wisconsin | 888-936-7463
• Hunter Mentor: dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorSkills/mentor.html

Wyoming | 307-777-4542; 307-777-4538
• Hunter Mentor: wgfd.wyo.gov/Education/Hunter-Mentor-Program

Non-Governmental Organizations

National Rife Assocaition (NRA)
• Youth Hunter Education Camp (YHEC): yhec.nra.org/; 800-492-4868
• NRA Online Hunter Education Course (NRAHE): nra.yourlearningportal.com/Course/HuntersEdActivityInfoPage

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
• uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/bow/Pages/default.aspx; 1-877-BOWOMAN (269-6626)

Camp Compass
• campcompass.org; 610-295-5567

Delta Waterfowl
• deltawaterfowl.org/mentor/; 888-987-3695

Ducks Unlimited
• ducks.org/get-involved/youth-programs; 800-45DUCKS (453-8257), 901-758-3825

Families Afield
• familiesafield.org; 800-392-8683

Fathers in the Field
• fathersinthefield.com; 844-ISAIAH1 (472-4241)

Freedom Hunters
• freedomhunters.org; 303-884-0059

Honored American Veterans Afield
• honoredveterans.org

Hope for the Warriors
• hopeforthewarriors.org; 877-2HOPE4W (246-7349)

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
• letsgohunting.org/plusonemovement; 203-426-1320

National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
• nwtf.org/about/hunting-heritage; 800-THE-NWTF (843-6983), 803-637-3106

Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors
• outdoormentors.org; 316-290-8883

Pheasants Forever
• pheasantsforever.org/Youth/Youth-Mentored-Hunts.aspx; 877-773-2070, 651-773-2000

Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)
• qdma.com/recruit; 800-209-DEER (3337)

Quail Forever
• quailforever.org/Youth/Youth-Mentored-Hunts.aspx; 866-457-8245; 651-209-4981

Operation Pay It Forward
• opif4ourvets.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)
• rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingHeritagePrograms.aspx; 800-225-5355 Ext. 264

Shoot Like a Girl
• shootlikeagirl.com

Sisterhood of the Outdoors
• sisterhoodoutdoors.com; 706-847-6338

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation
• wwiaf.org; 813-938-1390

Editor’s Comment: For the shooting sports to thrive, we need to add new participants — get new people involved in marksmanship and competitive shooting. Unless we add new shooters, we can expect more range closures, and more political attacks on our gun rights. The NSSF is starting a “Plus One” (+ONE) campaign to help build the ranks of shooters. The idea is basic — make a commitment to act as a MENTOR and encourage at least ONE new person to get involved. We think this is a worthwhile objective. As the NSSF says: If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come.”

The +ONE Movement — The Mission

In response to studies showing millions of people want to know more about hunting and target shooting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced a new mentorship initiative called the +ONE Movement. “We all know that getting involved in hunting and the shooting sports can be a challenge for people who have never gone before,” said NSSF President Joe Bartozzi. “Having a mentor at your side makes it much easier for someone to get started. With the +ONE Movement, we’re challenging every hunter and target shooter in America to introduce at least one new person to the sports we love.”

A major barrier for people wanting to learn about hunting and target shooting is that basic knowledge of these pastimes is not passed down from adults to youth as commonly as it once was. That’s where mentoring programs can make a huge difference. Watch this video to learn how you can become a shooting sports mentor:

This Video Explains How to Get New Shooters Involved:

Learn more abou the NSSF’s +ONE Movement at LetsGoShooting.org and LetsGoHunting.org. Those sites offer how-to articles and videos, along with tips on getting folks involved in the shooting sports (and hunting). But honestly, the websites are only an invitation. For this program to succeed, each of us needs to make a commitment to mentoring a new shooter in 2019.

MENTORS — SHARE THESE TIPS WITH YOUR +ONE INVITEES
1. Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction:
Simply put: Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot—even when dry firing.

2. Keep Firearms Unloaded When Not in Use:
Never load a gun until you are ready to shoot. When not in use, store firearms and ammo separately.

3. Don’t Rely on a Gun’s Safety:
Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time. Safeties are mechanical devices that can become inoperable without your knowing.

4. Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It:
No target is so important that you can’t take the time before pulling the trigger to be certain of where your shot will stop.

5. Use the Correct Ammunition:
Using improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. Always double-check your ammo.

6. If the Gun Fails to Fire, Handle with Care:
If nothing happens when you pull the trigger, keep the muzzle pointed downrange, unload the gun, and dispose of the faulty cartridge.

7. Always Wear Eye and Ear Protection:
Exposure to a firearm’s report can damage hearing; adequate vision protection is essential at all times while shooting.

8. Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of Obstructions:
Before loading a firearm, open the action, check that there’s no ammo in the chamber or magazine, and make sure the barrel is clear.

9. Don’t Alter or Modify a Gun, and Service Regularly:
Any alteration or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous. Also, follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations.

10. Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of the Gun:
Every firearm is different. Never handle a gun without first familiarizing yourself with it and the way it works.

Many people who may not be interested in target shooting or competitive shooting may find hunting appealing. Bring new people into the ranks of hunters will also help protect our gun rights.

The NRA has launched a program to encourage new shooters. Guided by NRA President Pete Brownell, the NRA Mentor Initiative is designed to bring new participants, of all ages, into the shooting sports. The aim is to expand interest in firearms, with the goal of fostering hunting, competitive shooting, and support for Second Amendment rights.

NRA President Pete Brownell states: “May has been designated NRA Mentor Initiative month. We are calling on each of our 5-million-and-growing NRA members, and everyone else in the firearm community, to find someone who has never fired a firearm before, take them to the range and help them put their first rounds on target. It’s been my experience that within minutes of the safety briefing, a lesson on marksmanship and the first pull of the trigger, all of the preconceived notions and media-fueled biases melt away…”

There’s no better way to inform Americans [about] the Second Amendment than to provide a positive, first-hand experience.”

AccurateShooter.com supports the goal of introducing newcomers to the shooting sports. Marksmanship is a fun activity that teaches concentration and self-discipline. It is also a great way to make new friends and get outdoors. While our focus is on precision rifle shooting at targets, we support all firearms disciplines — pistol, rifle, and shotgun.

The NRA has a good resource for mentors (and their students). The NRA’s A Guide for New Shooters contains essential safety information and range etiquette instructions. You’ll want to download this PDF to share with your trainee(s).

Click photo to download PDF Guide for New Shooters.

The NRA has produced a series of helpful, short videos for new shooters. Here are two videos covering basics, with a focus on shooting pistols indoors. We actually prefer to start novices at an outdoor range, shooting .22 LR rimfire rifles. Indoor ranges tend to be dark and noisy. The outdoor experience is more like a day at the park.