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   The MN DNR is sharing stories from hunters who’ve taken someone new hunting and participated in the Hunter Mentor Pledge. Here’s one from Elise Shepley of Minneapolis, who shared this story from November 2023:

   My mentor, Drew Swartz, brought up hunting in a conversation we were having. As an advocate for animal welfare and conservation, I’d long held an interest in exploring hunting. A clean harvest of an animal that has lived a natural life, to me, is the most humane form of meat consumption; more so when done in a way that also contributes to the balance of ecosystems. Despite these interests, I never had the opportunity nor, more importantly, the necessary guidance available to try hunting. Once he saw that spark of interest in me, that guidance is exactly what Drew provided.

   As a good mentor should, Drew walked me through every step to make sure I was prepared to hunt. The obvious first step: hunter safety. From there, Drew ensured that I was equipped for my hunt, walking me through what I would and would not need for a safe and comfortable experience. This included my comfort using the firearms that we would hunt with. This was not only my first foray into hunting, but also the first time I’d used an actual firearm. After several lessons on how to hold the gun, testing of my gun safety, and confirmation that I felt confident and capable to handle the gun in the field, we planned for my first hunt.

   Small game may not be the most exciting, but when you are first learning to hunt, they are perfect (and squirrel apparently fries up quite nicely!!). As I’d never fired a gun before, my mentor wanted to ensure that I knew how it felt and that I was comfortable with the gun. After several test runs and some very well peppered paper targets, my confidence in my abilities was substantially increased. However, I think my hesitancy showed when the first squirrel appeared. Drew ensured that I always was aware that I had no obligations to pull the trigger if I felt in any way unready to do so. This made me feel comfortable in requesting that he demonstrate for me first, both so I could be sure I was ready to follow suit and because, no matter how many videos you watch, it is different to see a hunt in real life.

   Then it came time for my squirrel. With my mentor by my side and feeling ready, I lined up my first shot and, with the pull of the trigger, harvested my first game ever. I don’t think I can really capture my feelings at that moment — something of a mix of adrenaline, fulfillment and even empowerment. It sounds corny, but the feeling was made even better when I saw how happy and excited Drew was for me and this first major milestone in my hunting experience. While the rest of the day was less eventful, and filled with plenty of lessons on hunting, it was a perfect day of hunting.

   Needless to say, I think I’m hooked! My mentor and I already have plans for my next hunting experience: pheasants.

The Hunter Mentor Pledge from the Minnesota DNR and Pheasants Forever encourages hunters to take someone hunting who has never hunted or hasn’t hunted for a few years. The program is open to all types of hunting in Minnesota that are legal and in-season. Participation is simple and you can find all the details on the Minnesota DNR take a friend hunting webpage.

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