By Chuck Schroeder

My brother and I received our first BB guns at ages six and seven, respectively. Nixon was president. My father had recently exited active military service, which included shooting on the Navy High Power Rifle Team, but he still competed at a national level. To say that we grew up around guns and strict shooting discipline would be an understatement.

But what about today’s generation of youngsters? Are they growing up enjoying the shooting sports? No. Everyone’s telling Ralphie, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

The most recent 5-year survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service indicates that just 12 percent of people 24 and younger hunt, and the numbers are declining. The same holds true for fishing, too. Kids are losing touch with being outdoors, much less putting food on the table.

If you’re like me, you believe that shooting, hunting and fishing provide adults with a unique opportunity to help children learn responsibility and build character while doing something that’s downright fun together (can I emphasize together again?).

If we want our outdoor heritage to remain strong, we need to share our personal passion—whatever it happens to be—with a child or a novice adult. A great place to start is your local rod & gun club. Most of the larger clubs have organized learning activities and “free to the public” events designed specifically to introduce people to shooting, hunting and/or fishing.

State wildlife agencies also hold learning events. In my state of Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) runs numerous “learn-to-hunt” programs for turkey, pheasant and deer, which lower many of the common barriers to hunting for the first time. These programs need volunteers to be successful, and many of those volunteers come from the local clubs that support state efforts by donating their facilities. Check out the state and club Web sites for volunteer opportunities, or offer to start a program yourself. Trust me: your time is needed!

Two years ago, I took over the bulk of the work for a learn-to-hunt turkey event, freeing Tom, the local DNR wildlife biologist, to worry about other matters. I volunteered out of an abstract love for turkey hunting, figuring I could pass on experience and instill some good ethics. I never imagined the priceless rewards that would be returned to me, such as this letter from a proud father:

“Hi Chuck and Tom,

Thanks to the Learn-to-Hunt program, my daughter, Lauren, took her first turkey at 7:00 a.m. this morning. It was a nicejake at 20 yards. It was a very exciting experience for both of us. The hook has been set deep, and I think I have a hunting partner for life!”

As that commercial goes, it doesn’t get any better than this.

About the author
If it goes bang, throws a projectile or casts a lure, Chuck Schroeder likes it and probably wants one. He is an NRA life member and certified hunter safety instructor. His truck features camo seat covers, two black labs and smells perpetually of wet dog. He writes for living. Reach him at chucks@imipr.com.