Action Item 22 (pg. 203)

Recruitment
Promote youth programs, which are important in that they start participation at a young age. The "natural" path of hunting and shooting initiation occurs at a young age, and the beginner typically is first taken by his or her father or other male family member.

Best Practices:

Chapter 8 Hunter Education

• Carefully define the content of the hunter ed experience
• Offer training frequently and on predictable schedule
• Offer training that is well advertised and easily accessed
• Utilize a variety of approaches to increase participation
• Develop partnerships to strengthen programs
• Consider social context of learning - enhance social support
• Provide ways for people to act on what they've learned

Chapter 10 Mentoring

• Recruit qualified mentors
• Make program community-based
• Sustain over time with multiple follow-up activities
• Evaluate mentors and have procedures for termination
• Recognize and reward good mentors
• Integrate with other existing mentoring efforts

Chapter 11 Creating Opportunities

• Provide ranges/demonstration areas
• Provide alternatives to shooting/hunting where necessary
• Provide info on and promote where to find opportunities
• Create a welcoming, family-friendly environment
• Make it easy, simple and fun for the learner
• Provide instruction/training
• Make it low cost or free
• Partner with private ranges.

Chapter 17 Shooting Sports in Schools

• Consider implementing established programs
• Encourage college courses on hunting/shooting for credit
• Encourage creation and/or continuation of cons clubs
• Implement HE programs within school systems
• Encourage shooting as a varsity sport
• Encourage collaboration between school boards and public agencies