Minnesota’s Programs To Reverse Downward Trend In Hunting Participation

We are hearing on a daily basis that hunting participation nationwide is declining. A recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that across the U.S. hunting interest dropped 4% in the last 10 years. To counter that decline, states have been implementing programs to recruit and retain hunters. Minnesota is leading that charge with an entire array of programs.

The agency, which in recent years has expanded youth hunts, reduced the price of youth deer licenses, and propelled the state into a national leader in the archery in the schools program, has launched an apprentice hunter program that promises to nudge would-be hunters off the fence and into fields and forests. It is also developing a new mentoring program. The mentoring effort aims to work with existing hunting, fishing and mentoring organizations to link avid outdoors enthusiasts with youth who have an interest in the outdoors but not the opportunity to experience it.

The agency has also implemented a special deer hunting clinic for women, a guided grouse hunt for women, an outdoors family weekend that included shooting skills and other activities that aim to keep hunting healthy in the face of national trends that show a downward decline in hunting participation.

For more specific information about these programs, visit the Minnesota DNR website.

Tom Remington