By Jon Zinnel - Federal Ammunition

The landscape of youth shooting sports is thriving with reports of continued growth year over year across many types of programs and organizations. Yet amidst this success, a critical question emerges; Are these programs effectively channeling their participants into hunting? As many state wildlife agencies report having declining participation numbers across both small game and large game license purchasers, recruiting youth target shooters into hunting is an opportunity.

The decline in hunters can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the rise of urban living and the conversion of once-prime hunting grounds into residential developments. As these landscapes change, so do the opportunities and traditions associated with hunting, creating a challenge for those who wish to preserve and pass on this heritage.

One promising approach to reversing this trend involves tapping into the existing pool of recreational shooters. These individuals, already adept in firearm safety and marksmanship through their participation in shooting sports, represent a great pool of candidates for recruiting new hunters. By transitioning these skilled participants into the world of hunting, we can leverage their existing expertise to cultivate a new generation of stewards for our natural resources.

However, this strategy is not without its hurdles. A few such hurdles include; the availability of mentors, as well as access to appropriate hunting grounds. Many aspiring hunters lack the guidance and support needed to make the transition from target shooting to hunting. Concerns include private versus public property lines, safety in the field, understanding of game species to maximize their chances, knowledge of rules and regulations, as well as what equipment is needed and how to acquire it.

Organizations like Pass it On Outdoor Mentors (PIO) have recognized this challenge and are pioneering solutions. By partnering with local high school clay target programs, PIO integrates hunting mentorship seamlessly into existing shooting sports initiatives. Their efforts have yielded encouraging results, with numerous successful hunts reported across multiple states each weekend during hunting seasons. To learn more about Pass it On Outdoor Mentors and their mission to empower young people through outdoors experiences and mentorship visit www.outdoormentors.org.

Financial support is another critical factor in the sustainability and expansion of youth shooting programs. It is imperative to continue to invest in these organizations and programs to keep growing the recruitment pool for those transitioning into hunting. Many organizations struggle with funding for basic operational costs, such as range fees, equipment, and travel expenses. The MidwayUSA Foundation plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, offering grants and financial assistance to support youth shooting teams nationwide. Having recognized other challenges to growth such as coach attrition and range capacity concerns, the foundation implemented even more granting opportunities. Initiatives like the Range Grant Program and the Coaches Grant Program have been instrumental in bolstering the infrastructure and coaching support necessary for these programs to thrive. To learn more about the MidwayUSA Foundation visit www.midwayusafoundation.org.

Beyond financial and logistical challenges, there are cultural and societal barriers that must be overcome to encourage more young people to take up hunting. For many families, hunting is not merely a pastime but a cherished tradition and a rite of passage. However, busy modern lifestyles, financial constraints, and a perceived lack of accessible hunting opportunities often deter younger generations from participating. Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort to promote mentorship, provide access to hunting grounds, and foster a supportive community for aspiring hunters.

In addition to nurturing the next generation of hunters, there is a compelling case for increasing support for recreational shooting access and wildlife conservation efforts. Most of these funds come from ammunition mostly used for target shooting versus hunting ammunition. Therefore, it would be safe to say that target shooters are supporting wildlife conservation across this country just as much or more than hunters do. The Pittman-Robertson Federal Excise Tax, derived primarily from sales of firearms and ammunition used in target shooting, is a vital source of funding for state wildlife agencies. This funding supports conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and hunter education programs, underscoring the significant contribution of recreational shooters to wildlife conservation efforts nationwide.

It has become evident that many state wildlife agencies have yet to step up to utilize the program to further their support in hunter education and recreational shooting with building new facilities or enhancing current facilities for their citizens. If you live in a state that hasn’t become active with funding shooting ranges like I do, please make your voice heard and reach out to your state wildlife agency to encourage that they do so. Some state agencies that are doing terrific work increasing target shooting opportunities include; Alabama, Ohio, Missouri and Wisconsin. Unfortunately, across the country more than half the states have built or service less than ten ranges in their states and five of these from the list don’t even have a single range in their state.

As advocates for hunting and shooting sports, each of us has a role to play in preserving our outdoor legacy. Whether through mentoring youth, advocating for conservation funding, or simply introducing someone new to the joys of the shooting range or the thrill of the hunt, we can all contribute to ensuring that these traditions endure for future generations. By sharing our passion for the outdoors and fostering a sense of stewardship, we can inspire others to embrace and safeguard our rich hunting heritage.

Jon Zinnel is the senior conservation and youth Shooting Sports Manager for Federal Premium, Remington, Hevi-Shot, and CCI Ammunition. A little bit about Jon: He grew up in Northern Iowa. Growing up, he enjoyed being outside. It was there that he cultivated his passion for conservation programs and shooting sports. He manages relationships with many non-profit Conservation Organizations nationwide and assists in countless R3 programs to introduce our next generation to the outdoors and shooting sports activities.

2023-2024 Voice of Leadership Panelists