By Doug Leier
Across North Dakota and elsewhere, there are kids fishing, take a kid hunting and volunteer organizations to help keep the spirit of hunting and fishing alive.
From 2011-16, we lost 2.2 million hunters nationwide amidst population increases.
But don’t put on blinders and stick your head in the sand. Recruiting new hunters and anglers, retaining the current number and reactivating those who no longer participate is a priority.
Rewind decades ago, and there were no youth deer, pheasant, turkey or waterfowl seasons. Resources, such as grants, funding and equipment to reduce the hurdles to participate were nowhere near the current levels.
No different than any other project. The more planning and preparation the better odds of a successful outcome. As you’ve heard many times before, failing to plan is a plan to fail.
If your group or organization is planning an R3 event this fall or next year here are some considerations:
● What are your desired outcomes?
● Who is your target audience?
● What species are you going to pursue?
● Where will you hold the event?
● What time of year is the hunting season of your targeted species?
● Will participants need to apply for a lottery or obtain a tag?
● How many volunteers do you have?
● What safety precautions will you take on and before event day?
● How will you pay for your event?
● Do your volunteers have experience in that type of hunting?
● What gear will participants need to have or you provide?
● How easy is it for participants to repeat this experience on their own after your event?
Before the Event
● Secure funding: Grant applications, donations, fundraisers, sponsors etc. (NOTE: The Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters Grant application deadline is the end of April for all events planned for that calendar year).
● Department Partner Event Registration: Contact Cayla Bendel, Department marketing Coordinator, cbendel@nd.gov to setup event registration.
● Safety precautions: Predetermine what safety measures are needed and plan accordingly. This may include firearm storage and transportation, weather-related arrangements, providing protective equipment, requiring hunter safety certification, having age restrictions, limiting the number of participants doing a certain activity at once, etc.
● Event logistics: Source a location for the event and ensure it has the capacity to effectively conduct all components of the event. Be sure to consider safe shooting spaces, bathroom facilities, chairs, tables, AV equipment (e.g. if giving a presentation), food and beverage preparation and service, weather protection and appropriate sleeping accommodations if necessary.
● Hunting logistics: We strongly encourage keeping active participants in small groups for the actual hunting, with no more than six people hunting in a group/area including participants, mentors, dog handlers, photographers, etc. This may require sourcing multiple hunting areas or rotating stations.
● Insurance coverage: Line up the necessary liability coverage for your event.
● Solicit volunteers: This could include mentors, dog handlers, firearm instructors, cooks, photographers and other general volunteers. The number of volunteers needed may depend on the number of participants or vice versa.
● Event promotion: This may include social media, television stations, direct emails, local radio advertisements, flyers, targeted messaging to desired audiences, community calendars, promotion at prior related event and local newsletters.
● Hunter Education: If needed for your event, be sure to allow time or offer opportunities for participants to complete hunter education or utilize their one-time apprentice license.
● Pre and post survey: If desired, develop pre and post surveys that effectively measure changes in participants knowledge or opinions before and after your event.
● Volunteer training: Ensure your volunteers have the training, tools and direction needed to safely and effectively help with your event. Remind them this is not a guided hunt and success is not the goal, rather safety, education and a fun day spent outdoors.
This is just the beginning and extensive details for the event and follow up are available on the Game and Fish Department website.
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