Familes Afield

"Hunting is revered in our country's character and economy. It's indelibly tied to conservation and is statistically safe. It adds richness to the lives of participants. We shouldn't allow youth prohibitions to compromise its future."

--- Doug Painter, President, National Shooting Sports Foundation

In many states, age restrictions and burdensome certification requirements are a real barrier for youths interested in hunting. Unable to participate legally, even with parents or other adult mentors, more and more youngsters are settling into other activities like video games or organized sports. Research now shows how youth prohibitions are compromising the future of America's hunting tradition.

Families Afield, an outreach initiative developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, is based on a shared and strong conviction that parents, not politics, should decide when their children are mature enough for hunting. Further, youths should have a chance to experience adult-supervised hunts before they are required to attain hunter education certification.

A Families Afield report provides an overview of the program. It includes state-by-state data on hunting restrictions and hunter replacement ratios, as well as safety statistics, age demographics and how Families Afield will help states eliminate unnecessary barriers for young hunters.

Press Releases

From NSSF:

September 28, 2006: Families Afield Reaches 11 States, 5 Million Potential Mentors

February 24, 2006: Half of U.S. Hunters Now Live in Family-Friendly States

From Other Organizations:

Feb. 14: Ohio Apprentice Hunter Program Becomes Reality

Dec. 27 : Pennsylvania Governor Signs Families Afield Bill

Dec. 16: Families Afield Bill Passes Assembly in Wisconsin

June 15, 2005: An Opportunity for Youth Turkey Hunters in Minn.

May 25, 2005: The Cost of Losing Hunting as a Wildlife Management Tool