Happy Hour: R3: How Hunting and Angling are Navigating an Uncertain Future

Hunters and anglers are our greatest advocates for public lands, in part via the fees they pay for licenses and equipment, which generated $1.1B for critical state environmental conservation and recreation projects in 2016 alone. Problematically, the hunting and angling communities have not shifted to align with the cultural makeup of America. One direct result: hunting expenditures—and associated excise taxes—declined 29% over the past five years. This happy hour discussion explores the country’s R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) movement with four initiatives engaged in the front lines of developing the next generation of conservation stewards.

Moderator: David Rodgers, Communications Manager, Recreation Boating and Fishing Foundation (2018 Emerging Leader)

Panelists:

• Katie DeLorenzo, Southwest Chapter Coordinator, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
• Josh Gold, Senior Manager of R3 and State Regulations, Archery Trade Association (2018 SHIFT Award Official Selection)
• Cyrus Baird, Programs Director, Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports (2018 Emerging Leader)
• Charles Evans, Georgia R3 Coordinator, Georgia Wildlife Federation (2018 Emerging Leader)