Document Type

Article

Publication Version

Version of Record

Publication Date

4-2026

Abstract

Declining participation in hunting and fishing has been slowed by women who are learning numerous outdoor skills through recruitment, retention, and reactivation [R3] programs. R3 programs are hosted by state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that take a variety of approaches to develop participant skills and confidence. To understand how R3 program design influences hunting and fishing participation, we conducted 11 focus group interviews with 72 participants at women’s R3 programs to identify program design components that women appreciate when learning to hunt and fish. Well-designed programs offered customized educational approaches to align with participants’ needs, created a supportive environment to foster a sense of belonging, and streamlined participation through event logistics. Programs that incorporated these design components promoted skill development, boosted self-confidence, and helped participants build a supportive network to independently hunt and fish. Program leaders can apply these findings to bolster participation in hunting and fishing.

Publication Title

Human Dimensions of Wildlife

DOI of Published Version

10871209.2026.2644512

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Rights

This work was authored as part of the Contributor’s official duties as an Employee of the United States Government and is therefore a work of the United States Government. This work is in the public domain.

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