ARTICLES

From Field to Fork

Do you have a desire to learn how to source your own protein?

Have you always wanted to learn more about hunting but weren’t sure who to ask?

Would you like to introduce others to the many benefits of hunting while also helping to ensure the future of hunting?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you are just curious about the Field to Fork program, then we invite to you learn more about the program and how you can get involved! For more information on Field to Fork, or if you are interested in replicating or participating, email Hank Forester.

QDMA’s Field to Fork is a food-focused hunter recruitment program for adults from non-hunting backgrounds piloted in Athens, Georgia in 2016 by QDMA Hunting Heritage Programs Manager Hank Forester and Charles S. Evans, the Georgia R3 Coordinator with the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Hinging on a unique approach involving recruitment at a local farmer’s market, visitors were asked if they wanted to sample from a spread of venison sausage, grilled backstrap or venison jerky, and they were provided with a handout titled “Why Should You Hunt Deer?” They were then offered the chance to participate in a season-long mentored hunting program that would teach them how to hunt and acquire a wild, healthy, local, sustainable source of food on their own.

Learn more about Field to fork here:

Can a Piece of Grilled Backstrap Save Hunting?

H U N T I N G

New Turkey Hunter +ONE®️ Starter Pack Promo

Are you a new turkey hunter or hoping to be a hunting mentor? We put together this package to encourage those interested in turkey hunting to try it this year.

We welcome all who are interested in hunting to participate -- from new to experienced hunters. Please share this with someone you think would like to get started.

Hunting wild turkeys can be overwhelming for any beginner, but the right information and gear can go a long way. The hunting location, the local hunting regulations, and the gear involved are the main ingredients you need to get started. Turkey hunting is always more fun with a friend along. The strategy and scouting can become a lot easier and the shared success is truly something that makes the hunt more memorable. Don't regret having to say "you should've been there" or "you had to see it to believe it!" Your participation in this giveaway will also make sure you're in the loop for other giveaway opportunities in the future. From a camo hunting blind to trail cameras for scouting to eye and ear protection, we’ve got a standard list of beginner gear ready for one lucky turkey hunter!

Will you embrace the +ONE®️ mentorship mission and either try hunting for the first time or invite someone new on a hunt? It's the best way to give back as a hunter.

More Help For Turkey Hunters

A great resource for turkey hunting is the National Wild Turkey Federation. They've got tips, events and a great community to get active in to learn more. It's extremely rewarding to get your own wild turkey and make great meals for yourself and others from the lean and organic wild game meat. We wish you the best luck in this giveaway and while hunting this year!

How Archery Helps Fund Conservation Through Excise Taxes

New “Partner with a Payer” Video Highlights Important Collaboration with Archery Manufacturers and Wildlife Agencies

NSSF^®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, in partnership with TenPoint Archery, Archery Trade Association, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has released another film in the “Partner with a Payer^®” series—a collection of videos highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and management. The Partner with a Payer Program connects the dots from how excise tax dollars are generated to how they are used to sustain healthy wildlife populations.

https://youtu.be/4Y1mCr8Kcoo

The latest video, “Conservation Success at the Crossroads of Collaboration,” highlights the work being done to continue providing public access to target ranges, hunting opportunities and other outdoor experiences within the United States.

Funding Conservation: A Collective Effort

In the heart of collaborative efforts between firearm industry leaders, archery manufacturers, and wildlife conservation agencies lies an important component for hunters and target shooters alike – the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. This act mandates excise taxes, a financial contribution by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on their products, as well as archery equipment manufacturers, to fund wildlife conservation and management programs across the United States. Representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Archery Trade Association and USFWS came together to tour the TenPoint Archery Facility, where they learned what it takes to generate the excise tax revenues supporting wildlife populations across the country. Throughout the tour, state and federal agency staff discussed specific projects and key instances where funds provided opportunities for the public to hunt, target shoot and enjoy the diverse wildlife in the United States. [caption id="attachment_53686" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Partner with a Payer - Conservation research

Partner with a Payer - Conservation research

Excise taxes fund wildlife research for the sustainable maintenance of healthy wildlife populations.[/caption] The excise taxes established under the Pittman-Robertson Act have been a driving force, contributing over $16.4 billion (over $25 billion adjusted for inflation) to individual states. In this video, Peter Novotny, Deputy Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, highlights how these funds, combined with hunting and fishing license dollars, fund essential wildlife research. This research enables a deeper understanding of how wildlife populations adapt to a changing environment, ultimately leading to the maintenance of healthy and sustainable populations.

The Ripple Effect for Hunters and Shooters

For hunters and target shooters, the implications of excise taxes are far-reaching. The funds derived from these taxes play an important role in maintaining shooting ranges, archery facilities, and wildlife habitats, ensuring a rich and diverse outdoor experience. The collaborative efforts between industry leaders, state agencies, and federal organizations exemplify the commitment to sustaining the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. [caption id="attachment_53687" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Healthy Ohio Deer

“We feel comfortable and confident that the excise tax dollars are helping keep healthy deer herds out there across the United States,” said Phil Bednar, President and CEO of TenPoint Crossbows.[/caption] As hunters and target shooters, your passion and participation directly contribute to the preservation of the outdoor experiences you cherish. These excise taxes not only support wildlife conservation but also create a legacy of responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation for generations to come. Understanding and appreciating this cycle of giving back ensures that the great outdoors remains accessible for all. More info and resources at https://www.nssf.org/partner-with-payer/ See other Partner with a Payer Videos: https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/game-birds/osprey-restoration-understanding-excise-taxes-wildlife-conservation/ https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/how-do-excise-taxes-benefit-hunter-education-clark-county-shooting-complex/

Celebrate National Hunting & Fishing Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day is this Saturday, September 23, and NSSF, as a major sponsor, encourages all sportsmen and sportswomen to participate.

Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day!

On the fourth Saturday of every September, NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion--that’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes being raised for conservation. Now on its 51st year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Launched by Congress in 1971 and heavily promoted by NSSF for decades, NHF Day is now administered by Wonders of Wildlife Museum and has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. Find national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events.

Get Started

Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports are not just great American pastimes – they are the very foundation that supports the model of wildlife conservation created more than a century ago in this country. By introducing new audiences to these activities, we ensure that wildlife and wild places will be protected for generations to come. Hunting is a useful and beneficial wildlife management tool that ensures and maintains the health and abundance of game species and the balance of our natural resources. There are a number of species, from upland birds to big game animals to hunt. Learn more about these species from game bird and game animal organizations.

Take the Pledge

Take the pledge to take someone hunting, fishing, or shooting this year and be entered into the NHF Day Giveaway!

Share Your Images

Upload an image of you hunting, fishing or target shooting and tag @NHFday on social media using the hashtag #GuideToOutside or Upload an image to be featured here!

Get Involved in National Hunting and Fishing Day 2023