Wichita, KS, December 9, 2019.  Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors was awarded $10,000.00 in a grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  These funds will be used to support the new Shooting Sports Outreach Program to engage participants in high school shooting sports in hunting activities.

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors has been engaged in recruiting mentors for at-risk youth since it’s beginnings in 2002. RMEF was one of the first to step up and help launch the outdoor mentoring efforts of Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors in 2002. This new effort ties into the National R3 Plan, with efforts to encourage high school shooting sports athletes to go hunting. After a trial run in the fall of 2018, Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors hired a Director of Field Operations to take on the task state-wide in Kansas. Results for the fall hunting season have been exceptional, according to Mike Christensen, President. “We’ve had over 150 youth on a wide variety of hunting experiences, ranging from dove hunts, deer hunts, waterfowl hunts and pheasant hunts. And we’re just getting started!” stated Christensen.

Brittany Waldman, Director of Field Operations commented, “It has been incredibly rewarding working with these high school shooting athletes and coaches. They have shown excitement and passion for hunting. With the help of local conservation groups, we have been able to cultivate some great fellowship amongst the young hunters.”

Blake Henning, RMEF Chief Conservation Officer stated, “Mentoring new hunters is one of RMEF’s highest priorities today so we are very pleased to continue our support for the Outdoor Mentors program and their outstanding work.”

“Making a difference in the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters requires partnership among all of the stakeholders if we’re going to move the needle,” said Christensen. “We’re proud to have the support of RMEF as we build this effort on a bigger scale.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded 35 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of nearly 235,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at www.rmef.org, www.elknetwork.com or 800-CALL ELK.