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The QDMA Mentored Hunting Program
Why did QDMA create the Mentored Hunting Program?
Hunters play a crucial role in our social and economic well being. They provide a free ecological service by managing deer and other wildlife while contributing over $60 billion annually to the economy and creating over 700,000 jobs. However, hunter numbers are declining and youth recruitment is not keeping pace. Across the U.S., only 69 hunters are recruited for every 100 that are lost. Studies confirm that many youth have an interest in wildlife and hunting but lack the ability to act upon that interest due to the absence of a hunting mentor within their family or network of friends.
What is the QDMA Mentored Hunting Program?
It is an innovative hunter education and recruitment program designed to increase the number of youth and first-time hunters by matching mentors with interested students. It teaches students (youths and adults) the importance of hunting and provides them with a greater understanding of the role of hunting in sustainable wildlife management. It also builds the foundation for these hunters to become better stewards of our natural resources and better ambassadors for hunting.
What is involved with the QDMA Mentored Hunting Program?
The program incorporates eight steps over several months, and is therefore expected to be far more effective than traditional “one-time” events designed to expose newcomers to hunting.
- Step one exposes students to the program, provides background information on the QDMA and hunting, and allows the mentor and student to bond.
- Step two develops basic woodsmanship skills, those commonly lacking among today’s beginning hunters, while building a framework to become a successful and knowledgeable hunter.
- Step three exposes students to formal sporting arm (firearm and archery) and treestand safety training and hunter ethics and education.
- Step four reinforces firearm and/or archery safety skills and develops shooting competence.
- Step five involves small game hunting because it enhances woodsmanship skills, reinforces sporting arm use and safety, lacks the pressure of a big game hunt, and is generally more exciting for beginning hunters.
- Step six teaches deer biology, behavior, ecology, deer anatomy, shot placement and Quality Deer Management concepts.
- Step seven involves deer hunting while the mentor reinforces safety, shot selection, management concepts and hunter ethics.
- Step eight celebrates the hunt, recognizes the student as a “hunter” and serves as his/her rite of passage into the hunting community.
How can I participate in the Mentored Hunting Program?
You can participate by mentoring a youth or other first-time hunter. You can also assist another mentor or help match an interested student with a mentor.
I’d like to be a mentor but what happens if I can’t teach each step?
No problem, QDMA Branches can help by providing information, instruction, field experiences, shooting opportunities, etc. If you have the desire, the QDMA will assist you along the way.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy – just follow these five simple steps:
1) Complete the Mentor Application Process:
The first step is to complete a mentor application form available by Clicking here (Application) or obtaining an application from the QDMA National Office (800-209-3337). The application requires your contact information, three references, and an on-line background check. Click here for background check application. You conduct the on-line check and simply include the printed report with your application. This check costs $19.95 and helps ensure the safety of students, protects the QDMA, and is standard practice for mentor and volunteer programs of this type. Return the application and the background check report to QDMA MHP, PO Box 160, Bogart, GA 30622.
2) Receive Approval of Mentor Application from the QDMA National Office
The QDMA will review your application materials, contact one or more of your references, and notify you of your mentor status.
3) Locate a Student to Mentor
Once your mentor application has been approved by the QDMA, you can be officially matched with a student. Your local QDMA Branch and the National Office can assist you in finding a student.
4) Complete Student Enrollment Form and Obtain Liability Insurance
Once the mentor and student are matched, the mentor must return a student enrollment and parental consent form (if the student is less than 18 years of age) and a completed insurance form to the QDMA National Office.
The insurance policy, provided through Davis Garvin Agency, includes $1 million per occurrence general liability and $2 million general aggregate. The liability coverage is for accidents involving firearms, treestands, ATVs, mobile equipment, limited watercraft and more. The policy costs $35 and covers the mentor, student, and one guest for up to 12 months while participating in the QDMA Mentored Hunting Program. This policy is necessary to cover those involved in the mentorship and protect the QDMA and its local Branches.
5) Receive Notification that You are Ready to Begin the Mentored Hunting Program
Once these forms are on file at the QDMA National Office you will be notified that you are ready to proceed with the mentoring process.
Do I have to get a background check and insurance policy?
Yes, if you want to officially participate in QDMA’s Mentored Hunting Program. Involvement in this program offers many benefits including participation in a nationally-recognized program, low-cost insurance, use of our mentor-student match system, use of the instructor’s guide and student journal, recognition at QDMA events, and QDMA and sponsor incentives.
If you choose not to complete a background check or purchase the insurance policy, you can still follow the QDMA Mentored Hunting Program materials; but it will not be an official QDMA mentorship.
Where do I get the materials to participate?
There are three items you need to participate:
1) Mentor Application – Chick here for the Mentor application or call QDMA National Office.
2) Mentor’s Guide – click here. The mentor’s guide provides step-by-step instruction on what to teach at each step of the program. It includes information and examples to maximize the success of your mentorship.
3) Student Journal – available soon from the QDMA National Office. The journal contains information about each step of the program and doubles as a keepsake for student notes, photos and other memorable experiences.
I am a QDMA Branch member, how can my Branch get involved?
This program is designed to be implemented at the local level so QDMA Branches are the perfect vehicle to make it work in their area. Branches can locate and match prospective mentors and students, teach several steps of the program to groups of mentors and students, provide opportunities for field experiences, and host the important game dinner in the program’s final step.
How do I get more information on the QDMA Mentored Hunting Program?
For more information, contact your local QDMA Branch or QDMA Director of Education and Outreach for the Southern Region, Joe Hamilton (843-844-8610, jhamilton@qdma.com) or for the Northern Region, Kip Adams (814-326-4023, kadams@qdma.com).
Questions?
If you have questions regarding course availability or registration, please contact the QDMA National Office at 800-209-3337.
If you have questions regarding course content, please contact
Joe Hamilton,
Director of Education and Outreach for the Southern U.S.
Phone: 843-844-8610
Email: jhamilton@qdma.com)
or
Kip Adams
Director of Education and Outreach for the Northern U.S.
Phone: 814-326-4023
Email: kadams@qdma.com
Click here to learn more about the QDMA.
View all mentored hunting program forms.
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Quality Deer
Management Association
PO Box 160
Bogart, GA 30622
1-800-209-DEER (3337)
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