Purpose

Why hunter and angler recruitment and retention

Hunting and fishing are a part of Minnesota's culture and identity as a state, a tradition that is so valued by Minnesotans that they have been granted constitutional protection (Minnesota State Constitution Article XIII, Section 12). Hunters and anglers are a driving force behind fish and wildlife management, habitat protection and resource conservation. However, modern society is becoming more urbanized and more disconnected from our outdoor heritage and, consequently, our stewardship ethic.

Conservation leaders in Minnesota and nationally have identified hunter and angler participation rates as a long-term concern from both a cultural and resource management perspective. Minnesota hunter participation remains strong, but many societal pressures exist that threaten hunter participation.

By addressing the barriers new hunters and anglers encounter entering these sports, and the factors that cause many to stop participating, the DNR is striving to maintain Minnesota's strong outdoor heritage.

Recruitment and retention

To biologists the term "recruitment" generally refers to the addition of individuals to a population, usually through migration or reproductive success. Sustainable populations have mortality rates that do not exceed their recruitment rates, achieving balance that ensures the long-term viability of a population.

In recent years wildlife managers and policy makers have begun discussing "recruitment" as it relates to sportspeople who pursue game species. As integral parts of the wildlife management cycle, the numbers of hunters and anglers participating in the management of resources are very important to the system. Sportspeople provide the economic base to manage habitat and wildlife populations.

Many factors cause sportspeople to drop out of the sport including, among other reasons, disabilities, age, loss of access, loss of companions, and moving to unfamiliar areas. Many of these factors can be addressed at least in part by the DNR. For example, facilitating hunts for people with disabilities, expanding private and public land access efforts, and expanding lake accesses and shore fishing facilities all improve opportunities for existing sportspeople. Most importantly, DNR can manage resources to provide adequate game to meet sportspeople's needs.

The DNR is committed to providing leadership on hunter recruitment and retention efforts in partnership with Minnesota's hunting organizations.