Expanding racial diversity in the outdoors has been talked about by many folks and organizations for more than a decade. Plenty of research has been done that proves there is a substantial opportunity to grow participation in hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting through diversity.

Now is the time to act on this opportunity which is what Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and its partners are doing by working with “The most diverse outdoor show on the planet”; N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman TV.

The partnership includes filming six episodes of the TV show with each episode showcasing new and diverse hunters and target shooters recruited from within state wildlife agencies and outdoor industry organizations.

Past episodes have featured staff from industry organizations such as; Primary Arms, Smith & Wesson, Troy Industries, Sig Sauer and the NRA, as well as staff from USFWS and VT, VA, TX, TN and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The sixth, and final episode of this project features a mentored deer hunt in Alabama with staff from National Deer Association and the Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. This episode of N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman TV will air Saturday, December 23rd at 6:30pm eastern on the Pursuit Channel. Those without access to Pursuit Channel can watch the episode anytime on OSCF’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5uW3muNUEY.

Jenifer Wisniewski, CMO of National Deer Alliance and Vice-Chair of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation hosted the hunt and noted: “It is great to see action being taken to expand hunting opportunities for all. Research has shown that folks want to see others that look like they do in magazines and on television shows so NDA is excited to be part of this project.”

Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama DCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division stated: “It was a terrific experience for, not only our staff that went on their first hunt, but also for staff that were mentors. There are not too many better feelings than teaching someone a new skill and watching them succeed. We at Outdoor Alabama challenge our current customers to invite someone new to come with them to the woods, waters or range in 2024.”

To view this, and other episodes visit: https://www.youtube.com/@outdoorstewardsofconservat2000

About:

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of conservation in America. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Come With!”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council”, please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202 or jim@stewardsofconservation.org.

N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman TV (N.T.O TV)

N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman TV was launched in March of 2019 as a result of not seeing any racial diversity depicted on the hundreds of hunting shows that were airing on television. From the very beginning the goal was to create “The most diverse outdoor television show on the planet!”, and Eric has done that. Learn more at https://ntotv.com/

Conservation partner links: National Deer Association, Alabama DCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.