North Carolina Kicks Off Mentoring Hunting Initiative

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is encouraging experienced hunters to seek out, introduce and mentor someone - young or old - interested in this outdoor activity for the first time.

The agency is kicking off its Hunting Matters! "Hats On" Mentoring Campaign on March 5 at the Dixie Deer Classic and on the agency's Web site atwww.ncwildlife.org. Those who sign up will receive a free hat and bumper sticker for making a pledge to mentor someone new to hunting during the 2010 hunting season. The campaign ends May 15, or when the hats and bumper stickers run out.

"Hunting provides a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world we live in that cannot be found elsewhere," said Walter "Deet" James, the Commission's Hunting Heritage biologist. "Many of us seek to find places of peace, understanding, meaning, and connection in our lives; to many, hunting provides these special places. Hunters also contribute millions to the North Carolina economy and provide the bulk of funding for wildlife conservation and management in our state."

The Commission's Hunting Heritage Program is based on the premise that it takes a hunter to make a hunter and that the recruitment and retention of hunters is critical for long-term conservation and management of North Carolina's wildlife resources.

And, with studies showing that most hunters are introduced to the activity by another hunter, wildlife officials hope to encourage experienced outdoorsmen to introduce the activity to their children, friends, relatives and peers.

Nearly 98 percent of hunters were introduced to the activity by mentors, such as fathers, grandfathers or mothers, according to a 2008 study from Responsive Management. Only 2 percent began hunting on their own.

"Mentoring a new hunter can be accomplished by simply inviting someone interested in the outdoors on your next hunting or shooting outing," James said. "If you're someone interested in becoming a hunter, ask a friend or family member that hunts, visit a local hunting or shooting club, or attend one of the Commission's free hunter education courses."

Sign up at the Dixie Deer Classic, which opens March 5 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, or online at www.ncwildlife.org/huntingmatters.

About N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

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