Statewide Apprentice Pheasant Hunts
California hunting license sales dropped from 767,149 in 1970 to 273,391 in 2016. A study by Response Management (US FWS report “Fishing and Hunting Recruitment and Retention from 1990 to 2005”) showed that in 2005 the Pacific region only retained 27% of hunters which was a drop from 36% retention rate in 1990. The report highlights that over 70% of people who took a hunter education course are not continuing to hunt 5 years later. California Waterfowl Association (CWA) Hunting Heritage programs hosts beginning hunter skills camps and hunting opportunities, some of which include hunting mentors / guides. The Hunt Program currently provides high quality hunting opportunities including waterfowl, pheasant, dove, turkey, and pig hunts. We will incorporate FREE upland hunts for new hunters at private, licensed upland game bird clubs into 2017-18 Hunt program.
The specific goals of this project are to:
- Work to expand the list of participating licensed game bird clubs for the upland game bird coupons. Coupons will be for 2 hunters (new hunter plus guest) for pheasant, chukar or quail.
- Develop registration page and promote these opportunities.
- Manage hunt drawings, mail materials and answer questions from participants.