JOIN THE MOVEMENT. HELP SECURE THE FUTURE OF OUR WAY OF LIFE.
If just one in three hunters adds one new person to our sport, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. So be the one. Ignite the passion that can change the course of someone’s life forever. For all hunting has done to enrich your life, join the +ONE movement and invite someone hunting. Share your experience with posts on social media. #PlusOneMovementSM
Take The Pledge
+ONE Partner Organizations
Working together to encourage responsible mentorship in local communities.
TAKE SOMEONE HUNTING
Invite Someone Hunting
One hunt can be all it takes to create a new hunter for life. With your help, we can recruit the next generation of hunters and shooters and grow America’s hunting heritage like never before. Join the +ONE Movement and invite a friend on your next hunt. Share your passion with posts on social media with #PlusOneMovement and #LetsGoHunting.
HOW TO PLAN FOR A SAFE HUNTING TRIP
10 Commandments of Firearm Safety
Share these tips with your +ONE.
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Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe DirectionSimply put: Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot—even when dry firing. |
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Keep Firearms Unloaded When Not in UseNever load a gun until you are ready to shoot. When not in use, store firearms and ammo separately. |
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Don’t Rely on a Gun’s SafetyTreat every gun as though it can fire at any time. Safeties are mechanical devices that can become inoperable without your knowing. |
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Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond ItNo target is so important that you can’t take the time before pulling the trigger to be certain of where your shot will stop. |
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Use the Correct AmmunitionUsing improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. Always double-check your ammo. |
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If the Gun Fails to Fire, Handle with CareIf nothing happens when you pull the trigger, keep the muzzle pointed downrange, unload the gun, and dispose of the faulty cartridge. |
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Always Wear Eye and Ear ProtectionExposure to a firearm’s report can damage hearing; adequate vision protection is essential at all times while shooting. |
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Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of ObstructionsBefore loading a firearm, open the action, check that there’s no ammo in the chamber or magazine, and make sure the barrel is clear. |
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Don’t Alter or Modify a Gun, and Service RegularlyAny alteration or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous. Also, follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations. |
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Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of the GunEvery firearm is different. Never handle a gun without first familiarizing yourself with it and the way it works. |
INVITE A NEW HUNTER
Getting Youth Involved
Be enthusiastic and don't just tell your young hunter why you love hunting - show them.
Gun Fit
One of the easiest ways to ensure a good time afield is make sure the gun fits properly.
Opening Day
Develop your own traditions including a +ONE and countdown to opening day in your area.
Celebrate the Hunt
One of the best ways to celebrate is a game dinner for the entire group after a successful day afield.
Bringing New Hunters Afield: Inside NDA's First Field to Fork Rifle Event on a Refuge
Bringing New Hunters into the Outdoors
Pennsylvania held its first Field to Fork rifle event at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Stroudsburg, PA. Organized by the National Deer Association (NDA) and supported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NSSF, this event provided a unique opportunity for adults from non-hunting backgrounds to experience deer hunting in a mentored setting.
This event was held in support of the NSSF’s +One® Movement, which challenges hunters to become mentors, helping to secure the future of hunting and shooting sports. A Hunting Heritage Grant from the NSSF provided rifles for the participants. Additional support was provided by The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
A First-Time Rifle Hunt for New Hunters
For many participants, this was their first time hunting with a rifle. Pennsylvania has a rich tradition of deer hunting and rifle season holds a special place in the state’s outdoor culture. Expanding Field to Fork into the rifle season meant that more newcomers had the chance to learn, practice marksmanship and ultimately experience their first hunt in a controlled, educational environment.
The event took place at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a former agricultural farm and golf course now undergoing habitat restoration. With a focus on conservation and sustainable land management, this refuge serves as an ideal setting to demonstrate how responsible hunting supports wildlife populations and land stewardship.
More Than Just the Hunt
Field to Fork events go beyond simply teaching new hunters how to harvest a deer-they emphasize the ethics, values and skills necessary to become responsible members of the hunting community. Participants learn about safety, tracking, deer behavior and ethical shot placement. For some, this experience was a culmination of multiple mentored hunts, showcasing the persistence and dedication required to become a successful hunter.
Field to Fork Mentor Keith Doyle in the blind with new hunter Nina.
One participant, Nina, had attended several mentored hunts before but had yet to harvest a deer. Instead of giving up, she remained determined, continually learning from mentors and refining her skills. Her resilience reflects the true spirit of hunting-patience, perseverance and respect for the process.
New hunter Justin with Field to Fork mentor and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rep Matt Falteich.
For another participant, Justin, the moment of taking his first deer was overwhelming. As soon as he made a successful shot, his mentor, Matt, stood up, cheered and embraced him-a moment of shared excitement that highlights the importance of mentorship in the hunting tradition. “That made it ten times better-sharing that with somebody,” Justin said
Mentorship and Conservation: A Lasting Impact
Many participants in the Field to Fork program expressed interest in giving back by mentoring others. The value of a supportive hunting community was a recurring theme, as new hunters spoke about the confidence gained through hands-on learning with experienced mentors.
Additionally, the event reinforced the connection between hunting and conservation. Venison is not only a nutritious and sustainable food source, but responsible hunting also plays a critical role in maintaining balanced deer populations and healthy ecosystems. By participating in ethical hunting practices, new hunters become active contributors to conservation efforts.
A Path Forward for Hunting’s Future
Programs like Field to Fork are vital in ensuring that hunting remains a strong and sustainable tradition. By removing barriers to entry-such as access to land, equipment and experienced mentors-these initiatives make hunting more accessible to a new generation.
For those in Pennsylvania looking to get involved in hunting, visit www.HuntDeerPA.com for more information on local programs and opportunities. To learn more about Field to Fork and how you can participate or support the program, visit National Deer Association’s Field to Fork page.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or someone looking for a way to get started, mentoring or participating in a Field to Fork event is a powerful way to contribute to the future of hunting. These experiences create lifelong hunters, strengthen conservation efforts and ensure that hunting remains a valued part of our outdoor heritage.
Deer Hunting 101
Online Course
The Official NDA Deer Hunting Course will teach you where to hunt, deer hunting tips and strategies, the best rifle for hunting deer, and much more.
5 Essentials for a First Hunt
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Blaze OrangeSafety first. Plus, an orange hat and vest makes a great welcoming gift to hunting. |
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BinocularBring an extra bino so the newcomer can stay engaged even during the slow periods. |
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Wind CheckerHelps drive home the importance of always knowing what the wind is doing. |
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Hand WarmersAs every hunter knows, no matter how good the gloves, hands will get cold. |
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Large ThermosNothing helps pass the time like a warming cup of coffee or hot cocoa. |
#PLUSONEMOVEMENT
Join the +ONE Movement and share your experience with posts on social media.