Hunting dates back to the beginning of time. Yet over the last few years, the number of Americans that head afield to hunt is declining. That makes it more difficult for those who have an interest in learning how to do it but don’t quite know where to turn.
“There’s a strong, well-documented interest in this great American pastime by people from all walks of life, and one of the keys to taking that interest to active participation is through the support of and encouragement by mentors,” said Jim Curcuruto, director of Research and Development at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “Programs that provide that connection, such as mentoring programs, are what’s sorely needed to move people from wanting to get involved to actually being involved.”
So who can take you hunting? One suggestion is to attend your closest Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation big game banquet. Once there, reach out to those around you, tell then why you’re there and make new friends. Go here to find the nearest RMEF chapter near you.
If you are already hunter, one way to grow the ranks of those who do hunt is to simply invite someone along to join you. It’s a simple thing to do. Just ask a friend, co-worker, family member, relative or another person in your circle of acquaintances. Some are calling this approach the +One Movement.
A new online resource, letsgohunting.org, is designed for those new to hunting so they can learn about all things hunting, everything from discussion of calibers to use for elk, treestand safety and how to perfect one’s wingshooting skills to working with western big-game tag draws.
Once you’ve got your feet under you, go here on elknetwork.com to gain valuable insights on what to do before, during and after the hunt.
(Photo source: © National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.)