Beyond the Hunt: Teaching Conservation Through Mentorship
Beyond the Hunt: Teaching Conservation Through Mentorship
By: Mike Christensen, President of Pass it On, Outdoor Mentors
When most people think of outdoor mentoring, their minds go straight to the thrill of the hunt—the sound of a turkey gobble at first light or the satisfying tug of a fish on the line. But what makes Pass It On - Outdoor
Mentors special is what happens beyond the shot or the catch. At the heart of every outdoor adventure is an opportunity to teach something much deeper: a commitment to conservation.
The Next Generation of Stewards
Hunting and fishing have long been tied to wildlife conservation in North America. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has a nice YouTube video titled “Hunting is Conservation” that does a nice job explaining it all.
Through excise taxes on gear and license fees, sportsmen and women fund the majority of state wildlife management. But it takes more than money—it takes education. Every time a mentor takes a youth into the field, they’re passing on more than skills. They’re modeling respect for the land, the animals, and the ecosystems that support them. From understanding why we don’t take every animal we see, to learning how seasons and limits protect populations, these lessons help shape ethical, informed future stewards
of the outdoors.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Mentors have a unique opportunity to turn routine moments into teachable ones. Picking up trash on a trail, leaving a field gate as you found it, or explaining the importance of leaving habitats undisturbed—these simple acts show youth what it means to care for the wild places we enjoy. One mentor recalled a moment after a duck hunt when his mentee asked why they hadn’t shot more birds when they had the chance. That question led to a powerful discussion about sustainability, migration patterns, and why selective harvesting matters. It was a turning point—not just in how the mentee hunted, but how they thought about their role in the bigger picture.
Connecting Conservation to Real Life
Mentorship also helps bridge the gap between the abstract concept of conservation and its practical application in the real world. It’s one thing to hear about habitat loss—it’s another to see it firsthand while scouting land that’s been developed. It’s one thing to read about invasive species—it’s another to pull zebra mussels off a boat launch. By connecting these issues to hands-on experiences, mentors bring conservation to life. They show that hunters and anglers are not just participants—they’re protectors.
Building a Legacy That Lasts
At Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, our mission isn’t just to introduce youth to outdoor sports—it’s to instill a lasting appreciation and responsibility for the natural world. Every fish released, every trail respected, and every animal ethically harvested helps build a generation that understands their role in the outdoors is about more than enjoyment. It’s about giving back. Together, we’re ensuring that the next generation doesn’t just learn how to hunt—they learn why it matters to protect the places that make it all possible.
Want to Get Involved?
You can be part of this legacy. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a parent looking to connect your child to nature, mentoring with Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference.