Hunter Training and Mentoring Programs — State by State

Photo from Nebraska Mentored Hunts.

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

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