Albuquerque, NM – Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is proud to release a comprehensive research study that provides quality insights into Native Americans’ Participation In, and Perceptions Towards Hunting, Trapping and Target Shooting.
On Tuesday, May 23rd, OSCF’s Executive Director, Jim Curcuruto, presented key findings from the study to more than 200 attendees at the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports R3 Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
With more than 500 federally recognized tribes containing more than seven million members, Native Americans play a large role in outdoor activities. With limited data available on this segment, it was important to learn about barriers, understand traditions, and establish a baseline of current participation in hunting, trapping and target shooting among Native Americans.
The study, funded by a Multistate Conservation Grant through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the USFWS, shows that Native American’s currently participate at a much higher rate in hunting, trapping and target shooting than the general population, and importantly, also shows a much higher interest among Native Americans in getting started in such outdoor activities – they are simply looking for information and an invitation to become active participants.
Outdoor Stewards partnered with members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to develop and administer a comprehensive questionnaire. Chuck Wahr of the LRBOI was a key partner on this project and noted: “For years, many of us felt that Native Americans had a higher rate of participation and interest in outdoor activities but now we know for sure. This project was sorely needed and provides justification for resources to be allocated to support recruitment and reactivation of Native Americans when is comes to hunting, trapping and target shooting. We hope these insights do not fall on deaf ears.”
OSCF’s Board Chair, Peter Churchbourne, stated: “The data in this report is definitive. There is no doubt that the Native American community is the perfect audience for R3 efforts. OSCF’s Come With! program will help increase participation in this segment but it will take a team effort of industry, NGO’s and state agencies to make a difference. We look forward to working with these groups to increase overall participation.”
About: Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to use research-based communications and engagement programs to help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers, Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders stewards of conservation in America. Learn more about our research and programs such as; Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag, Come With!, and Connecting with Conservation, by visiting www.OutdoorStewards.org .
