Native American Participation Research and Outreach
Strategic Priority
Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) - Engaging Participants
Project Description
There are nearly 600 federally recognized Native American tribes, with approximately seven million members inhabiting all 50 states in America today. Even though our nation's indigenous people were the original hunters, trappers, anglers, and conservationists, we do not know much about their current participation rates or their current cultural acceptance of hunting, trapping, and target shooting. We also do not understand Native Americans' current barriers to entry, access to lands and shooting ranges, or their perceptions of state and federal wildlife agencies. As a result of the limited knowledge we have of this underserved segment, there are few R3 efforts dedicated to Native Americans. Additionally, few proven communication strategies to better engage and support our nation's indigenous people leave wildlife agencies and the firearms industry without a clear plan to engage this important segment of original outdoors people. A strong need exists to research to gain current insights on Native Americans. Such updated information will benefit state agencies and industries looking to understand better and engage with millions of Native Americans.
Project Facts
- Federal Award Number: F22AP00611
- Organization Name: Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation
- Organization Status: NGO classified as 501(c)(3)
- State: Connecticut
- Obligation: $116,000
- Start Date: 01-01-2022
- End Date: 06-30-2023
Results
The project produced the first known, nationwide baseline study examining Native American participation in and perceptions toward hunting, trapping, and target shooting—filling a critical information gap after no prior research on this topic could be identified. Working collaboratively with members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the grant team designed and deployed a large‑scale survey that measured participation rates, cultural acceptance, perceived barriers, awareness of tribal privileges, views of industry and wildlife agencies, and interest in learning outdoor skills. Findings showed that Native Americans participate in hunting, trapping, and target shooting at significantly higher rates than the U.S. general population, and—importantly—those not currently participating expressed a higher willingness to learn these activities than non‑Native respondents, positioning this community as a strong opportunity for future R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) efforts. The study also highlighted strong cultural and ancestral connections to nature, influential roles of family and tribal leadership, and practical barriers such as time, access, and equipment needs. Results were broadly shared through press releases, web distribution, social media, presentations, and a national webinar to ensure wide availability of insights and recommendations. Overall, the project establishes essential baseline data, dispels assumptions, and provides actionable guidance to improve and better focus R3 initiatives aimed at supporting and engaging Native American communities in conservation‑related activities.
