Tips for hunting and fishing mentors

Give the ultimate outdoor gift by mentoring a new hunter or angler.

Why mentor?

Mentors play a critical role in encouraging new hunters and anglers. That first time afield can mark the beginning of a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a commitment to wildlife conservation. The first few awkward casts are the first step on the road to a lasting love of the water. Mentors make a difference, and not just for youth; they are needed to guide budding anglers and hunters of all ages. Consider the adage, it takes one to make one. In the past, people learned to fish or hunt from their family or close friends, and access to land and fishable waters was more readily available. Today, a person who has an interest in these outdoor pursuits may not have the family or social network to help them get started. The barriers faced by novice hunters can be especially daunting; and although entirely possible, individuals rarely begin hunting without the support and guidance of a hunting mentor. 

In a survey, Massachusetts volunteer Hunter Education instructors were asked why they mentored. They offered four main answers:

1. to promote safe and ethical hunting,
2. to pass down knowledge and traditions of hunting,
3. to pass along love of outdoor activities, and
4. a sense of personal responsibility.

Indeed, the sporting community has a long history of promoting safe and ethical fishing and hunting. Whatever your motivations, consider the following tips to make the most of your mentoring activities.

Tips for mentoring

Start by limiting your expectations. As an experienced hunter or angler, it's easy to take for granted all the knowledge you have accumulated over the years. You may be able to walk for miles in rugged terrain with a full backpack all day long or spend hours tending tip-ups while ice fishing. Expecting a new angler or hunter of any age to perform at that level can easily discourage them from ever going again. Make the initial outings short, interesting, enjoyable, educational, and relaxed.

• Teach safety. For angling, teach new anglers the importance of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), to be cautious on boats, as well as the proper use of fishing equipment such as hooks and pliers. Review ice safety protocol when venturing out during the winter months. For hunting, review and model safe hunting practices from trip preparation to firearm safety, from boat safety to tree-stand safety. Always wear hunter orange when appropriate and required. When hunting with a novice, consider carrying one firearm between the two of you. This is safer and assures that you will focus attention on the novice hunter.
• Share your knowledge. For angling, encourage and share good conservation practices, including knowledge of regulations, proper fish handling, and, if applicable, release techniques. 
• Pass on your enthusiasm. Keep a positive attitude even when fishing or hunting is slow. Look for opportunities to educate beginners about techniques, wildlife, or habitats. Show that hunting or fishing is more than just about harvesting or catching. Slow down and spend time explaining and sharing the joys of being outdoors, rather than expecting.  
• Offer guidance and encouragement. Beginners can get discouraged. Explain that mistakes are part of the learning process and that all good anglers have spent hours on the water refining their skills.
• Get ready. Be sure the new angler or hunter is dressed for comfort in warm or cold weather and be certain they have packed all necessary equipment. Build excitement by involving new hunters in hunt planning, taking them to sight in firearms, to target practice, or to select equipment. Make sure they are comfortable with their hunting implement. Match the gun or bow to the novice hunter’s size and skill level.
• Extend the experience to include before and after. Show new hunters or anglers learn how to plan a fishing or hunting trip by including them in the process. Include new hunters in the scouting before season begins. If you are successful in catching a fish or harvesting game, include them in the cleaning and preparation, and share a meal together. 
• Have fun! Sharing your love for hunting or fishing is a rewarding experience. The more time you spend afield or on the water with a beginner, the more solid their skills will become, the more confident they will feel, and you will both have more fun. 

Other ways to mentor

Spending time in the field with a novice hunter or angler isn't the only way to mentor; small gestures can make a big impact.

• Tell some of your favorite hunting or fishing stories.
• Answer questions from beginners on social media or blogs.
• Offer congratulations and encouragement on photos shared by beginners.
• Invite a beginner to share a meal of wild game or fish.
• Take someone on a pre-hunting season scouting or shooting trip.
• Introduce someone to the outdoors through a simple nature walk in the woods.
• Teach someone basic outdoor or woodsmanship skills. 

Volunteer with MassWildlife

MassWildlife is in need of dedicated volunteer instructors and mentors to support our outdoors skills programs, including Hunter Education, Learn to Hunt, and Angler Education. Call [phone] for more information.