By Todd Schaller, WWA Vice President & Education Committee Chair
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2024 Newsletter edition.
In 2023, WWA kicked off the inaugural Waterfowlers Academy – Learn to Hunt (LTH) program. While WWA has sponsored LTH waterfowl programs for over a decade, the Waterfowlers Academy represents a concerted effort to brand and standardize the LTH program, along with other educational and outreach initiatives.
Furthermore, 2023 marked the first year of a two-year pass-through grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) funded by Federal Pittman Robertson funds, which were awarded to WWA. The grant specifically focuses on introducing and instructing novice adult hunters from under-represented communities.
Participants in a 2023 Waterfowlers Academy LTH
As part of the grant’s requirements, WWA conducted an evaluation to assess its performance and glean lessons learned. An independent evaluator compiled a comprehensive year-one report utilizing pre- and post-event participants surveys.
The 2023 Waterfowler Academy events included programs in Green Bay (a long standing LTH program), Ripon, and Trempealeau (For Women By Women), alongside a WWA volunteer in southeast Wisconsin doing one-on-one mentoring with three new hunters.
Key takeaways from the year include:
Exceeding the goal of engaging and training 10 novice hunters from under-represented communities across the four programs. While a success, it highlights WWA’s challenge to meet the goals of year two with the number of events offered. Growth will necessitate expanding to more events rather than just increasing the number of participants in the excising events.
Recruitment primarily occurred through personalized, one-on-one communication. If WWA is looking to utilize social media as a recruitment tool, we need to develop a specific strategy for recruitment. Based on the reach of social media, WWA would also need to ensure capacity can meet potential demand.
Participants had a positive opinion about hunters in general prior to the LTH program; however very few were members of a conservation organization.
Participants enjoyed the experience, felt barriers to hunting were removed during the program, and plan to continue and promote hunting.
Resources provided in advance of the formal program were helpful.
Additional time for interaction with mentor and other students was desired.
Next month I will touch on the adjustments WWA has planned for year two. If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved with the Waterfowlers Academy, please contact me at c217tazman@gmail.com.