Millennials, those adults from 18–34, have surpassed the baby-boomer generation as the largest segment of the Idaho hunting population. This may not seem important, yet participation in hunting and fishing provides the tax base that supports wildlife, wildlife conservation, and the people who manage wildlife and enforce regulations. Baby-boomers are not only much older than millennials, but have different tastes and preferences. Becky Kramer looks at the generational differences and why the Idaho program has had such success.
As they work to recruit the next generation of hunters and anglers, Idaho officials are targeting food-conscious millennials who want to know where the steak they’re grilling comes from.
Many millennials didn’t grow up in a traditional hunting or fishing household, but the idea of eating meat they harvested themselves appeals to them, said Virgil Moore, director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. A couple of years ago, the department started offering “Idaho Wildavore” classes to teach people 18 and older how to scout deer and wild turkeys, and shoot, gut and butcher them. The classes, offered in southern Idaho, also cover hunting ethics.
The classes haven’t been offered in North Idaho, but they could be in the future, said Chip Corsi, Idaho Fish and Game’s regional director in Coeur d’Alene, who sees a potential draw for young adults interested in sustainably harvested meat and the health benefits of eating wild game.
“Elk is actually organic food, and there are a lot of elk,” Corsi said… [continued]
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
