“Category: Join the Hunt”

In our zeal to teach hunter-recruits marksmanship and fieldcraft we must not forget to arm them with the knowledge of everything American hunters have done to conserve our natural resources. A well-armed hunter, after all, is our best advertisement.

It’s understandable if hunters everywhere feel defensive about our pastime, even to the point of being bashful. But the author has learned to bury the ignominy and proclaim his love of guns and hunting. After all, the last time anyone checked hunting was a legal activity.

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce that over 100,000 hunters have completed the award-winning, free NRA Hunter Education online course since its inception in 2017.

As an experienced hunter, you are in a unique position to offer protégés a lifetime of knowledge of the field, firearms and more.

Any seasoned hunter could be accused occasionally of trying to out-shout an anti-hunter. But most of us also should follow our own advice: first count to 10. Then, and only then, calmly hit ’em with the facts.

The author had an exchange about the local coyote population in Northern Virginia with a woman on social media. Their discussion serves as a good follow-up to his last article on handling anti-hunters.

Want to ensure the next generation becomes productive members of society? Consider asking them to join the hunt, and start with waterfowl. Its mix of hard work and fast action is sure to keep ’em coming back—and on the right path.

Whether we merely drive across the state or plan a lavish safari to parts unknown, hunting affords us the chance to travel mentally and physically. As we actively recruit and reactivate hunters, it’s important to retain our own zeal for the hunt, for when it comes to refreshment there is no substitute for new game and new ground.

The NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum will help FHF, a national R3 organization, develop free, online interactive training mentors may use to recruit, train and retain new hunters.