Most veteran bowhunters have enjoyed the adrenaline rush that comes from seeing an approaching buck. They’ve relished in nature’s beauty and taken pride in filling freezers with lean venison. Yet there’s a responsibility that accompanies our bowhunting passion, and that’s our duty to ensure the bowhunting lifestyle continues on. If you’re passionate about our hunting heritage, the best way to ensure it continues is by sharing the woods with someone new to hunting. Best of all, you just might find a new hunting buddy to share camp with.
Mentoring new hunters will help ensure the lifestyle continues on in future generations. Photo Credit: BU
Bowhunting is facing a critical challenge. Participation is on the decline, and the demographic of hunters is getting older. If we don’t introduce new people to the sport, we’ll lose the advocates who will carry our passion forward for generations to come. The bowhunting community needs participation to create a megaphone that supports our passion. By sharing the sport with others, you’ll do your part to make sure our voice is getting louder. This translates to more people being educated about the conservation value of hunting and empowered to engage on its behalf by voting on political issues, sharing feedback with fish and wildlife agencies, and much more.
Getting someone new into bowhunting can be as simple as tapping into your own friend network. Don’t be shy about sharing your experiences with friends or co-workers. Mention those moments that you found truly special, like watching a bobcat walk past your treestand, taking in the smell of fresh fall leaves after a light rain, or hearing coyotes howling in the distance. While these moments might seem insignificant on the surface, they create conversations in a relaxed atmosphere for newcomers to ask questions and express their interest. You’ll be surprised how a casual chat over a cup of coffee or around the lunch table can spark the interest of potential new bowhunters. Sharing your passion can ignite theirs, setting the stage for memorable hunts and a future generation of bowhunters.
Share the joy of hunting with others and make deeper connections. Photo Credit: BU
Bowhunting isn’t just about the pursuit of deer; it’s about the bonds we forge with fellow hunters. There’s a unique camaraderie in hunting camp, sharing stories, laughter and traditions created through several years of sharing camp together. When you take someone new under your wing, you not only expand your circle of friends but also create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, an able-bodied buddy who’s interested in bowhunting can be a huge help when it comes to hanging treestands or planting food plots.
In today’s world, many people are open to hunting for the sake of food. Share the bounty of your successful hunts with friends at cookouts and gatherings. Venison is a rare treat, especially for people who don’t hunt. If they find it to their liking, offer to take them hunting. The simple act of enjoying and sharing wild game can be a powerful gateway to creating new hunters.
Remember, the goal is to introduce newcomers to the joys of bowhunting, not to overwhelm them. Keep it lighthearted and informal. Gauge their level of interest and address any concerns they may have. An informal conversation over lunch or appetizers after work can be a great way for you to understand their fears or misconceptions or answer questions that may be posing a mental hurdle for a potential new hunter. Once you get started, offer your spare gear to make the hunting trip more accessible. The focus should be on enjoying the experience rather than an intense pursuit for a big buck.
Taking someone on their first hunting trip is just the beginning. After the hunt, maintain contact with your mentee. Share hunting stories, answer questions and offer guidance. Keeping the lines of communication open and providing ongoing support can help new hunters build their skills and passion for the sport. Encourage them to keep at it and remind them of the camaraderie and fulfillment that bowhunting offers. Most importantly, be sure to extend the invitation for future hunts and set them up for success if they choose to try hunting by themselves.
Passing on your knowledge to other hunters makes a difference for the future of conservation. Photo Credit: BU
Ultimately, it’s our duty as sportsmen and women to pass along the hunting lifestyle. As bowhunters, we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature and harvest our own food. By mentoring newcomers, we ensure that these traditions continue to thrive. It’s not just about hunting; it’s about fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors and for conservation and a passion for wildlife and wild places. Failing to share the resource with newcomers is a failure to invest in the future of our most cherished pastime.
