Press Release R3 Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 23, 2023
Contact: Bob Nack, WI DNR Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation
Team Supervisor, robert.nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-617-3492
DNR Announces Four New R3 Partnerships To Promote Hunting, Trapping And Shooting Sports
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the addition of four new partnerships to a growing list of organizations working alongside the DNR to recruit, retain and reactivate (R3) participants in hunting, trapping and shooting sports across Wisconsin.
The four new partnerships are with Pheasants Forever, National Deer Association, Raised At Full Draw and Pass it On – Outdoor Mentors (in collaboration with Wisconsin-based Outdoor Heritage Education Center non-profit organization.)
Pheasants Forever’s mission is to conserve pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education and conservation advocacy.
The National Deer Association strives to provide reliable, science-based information for hunters, empowering them to be more informed, successful and engaged stewards of deer and wildlife.
Raised at Full Draw (RAFD) is a non-profit organization designed to promote archery, hunting and outdoor education through educational camps. The goal of these camps is to pass knowledge and techniques on to the next generation and allow them an opportunity to learn in a safe, hands-on environment.
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is a nationwide nonprofit organization that matches caring adults with a passion for the outdoors with children that want to learn about the outdoors. CEO Brittany French noted, “Through our long-time Wisconsin friends at the Outdoor Heritage Education Center organization, we already have a grassroots network of mentors and landowners eager to pitch in.”
OHEC Executive Director Ruth Ann Lee added, “Oh, heck yes, our Founder Mark LaBarbera and I are excited about working with Pass It On and WI DNR to connect more youth and adults with the shooting sports. It’s a natural extension of our current R3 efforts. Check out OHECyes.org.”
These new partnerships include new, jointly funded positions dedicated to providing and supporting programming and events around the state to promote hunting, trapping and shooting sports. These efforts will focus on teaching people how to get started in each of these activities, supporting and engaging people already involved and encouraging individuals with prior experience who may not be currently active in these activities to get involved again.
“Each of these organizations brings experience and specific areas of interest that will provide diverse outdoor learning experiences for Wisconsinites of all experience levels,” said Bob Nack, DNR Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Team Supervisor. “These partnerships help us develop an appreciation for the outdoors and support wildlife conservation efforts among the public while also promoting these activities to future generations.”
Wisconsin’s fall hunting seasons are fast approaching. Learn more about educational materials and opportunities to get involved with programs and events focused on helping people learn to hunt on the DNR website.
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Rabbit hunters and mentors enjoyed an OHEC Wisconsin Learn to Hunt event earlier this year.
