Page 6 - Sept/Oct 2020 Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine

FREE RESOURCES TARGET NEW, EXPERIENCED HUNTERS

Over the years, fewer peo- we are engaged in R3 activities
ple have been participating through our work on public
in traditional outdoor activ- LANCE MEEk/ODWC lands and with our partners.
ities, making it tougher for Here are some resources for
state and federal agencies to hunters of all ages:
achieve conservation mis- HUNTERS CONNECT:
sions. Thankfully, hunters, More than 600,000 new hunt-
anglers and other outdoor ers go through hunter educa-
enthusiasts have been major tion courses annually in the
supporters of our work. Now, U.S. The International Hunter
we are looking to maintain Education Association (IHEA-
current recreation participa- USA) is continually striving to
tion while also attracting new communicate with those hunt-
audiences, which leads to dis- ers. Hunters Connect, part of
cussions about R3 efforts. HunterEd.com, an R3 outreach
R3 stands for recruit- program, uses digital media tools
ment, retention, and reacti- to lower the hurdles facing new
vation. R3 activities seek to hunters. Hunters Connect’s digi-
create new participants or tal video library will provide the
increase participation rates “how-to,” “where-to,” “when-
of current or lapsed outdoor to,” “what-to” for new hunters.
recreationists. Outdoor recreation can include hunting, fishing, These topics will cover what new hunters want to know yet
wildlife observation, photography, education and interpreta- have struggled to find out. From purchasing and applying
tion, hiking, camping, boating, and many others. for licenses, selecting firearms and bows, choosing gear,
Recruitment activities generate awareness and interest in an reading maps, tactics for hunting different species, food care
activity, as well as providing opportunities for people to try an and prep, and everything in between, Hunters Connect will
activity. Retention activities provide the support necessary for speak to the Millennial and Gen Z generations and to adults
novice recreationists to build their skills until they are able to just entering hunting.
participate independently. Reactivation activities help lapsed The Hunters Connect digital library is free, thanks to gener-
recreationists become active participants. ous industry grants.
We’ve been doing these activities for years and now the Out- NRA EXPERIENCED HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE:
door Reaction Adoption Model has given us and our partners a This free course in an online review of everything an expe-
shared vocabulary. We use this model, and the concepts of R3, rienced hunter should know, including a review of firearm
to identify how we can support outdoor recreation opportuni- safety and safe hunting practices. Though not a substitute for
ties, access and education. state-mandated hunter safety requirements, it provides a solid
The Wildlife Department is strengthening its engagement foundation of the fundamentals.
locally in this broad national effort. We are looking for new This comprehensive hunting refresher course will help hunters
ways to expand access to hunting and fishing and to increase become safer and more confident before heading into the field.
our support for hunting and shooting. Whether it’s through For more information, visit https://nra.yourlearningportal.com/
mentored hunts, expanding access, monitoring fish and game Courses/NRA-Experienced-Hunter-Education and get ready for
species, or grants administered for hunter education courses, a safe and successful season.

ANNUAL WILDLIFE EXPO BECOMES VICTIM OF PANDEMIC

For 14 years, tens of thousands of people have looked forward large groups and possible transmission of the coronavirus.
to attending Wildlife Expo, the annual weekend event produced Also, many suppliers traditionally supporting the event would
by the Wildlife Department that celebrates everything out- not be able to meet product and delivery goals because of shut-
doors. Unfortunately, the 2020 edition of Wildlife Expo will downs and restrictions. And since one large element of the event
not happen due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic here in is to welcome school groups, it was unknown whether schools
America and around the world. would be in session or whether field trips would be possible.
Department officials concluded in May that trying to hold Officials said the decision to cancel was a particularly hard
the Expo as usual this year would not be possible because of one to make. But they said be sure to mark your calendars for
several reasons. Included were health concerns associated with next year’s Wildlife Expo, scheduled for Sept. 25-26, 2021.

4 Off the Beaten Path

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