NDA: Become a Better Hunting Mentor

As a mentor, you’re about to embark on one of the most memorable and rewarding roles—teaching someone to hunt.

Whether you’re new to mentoring or a seasoned pro, this National Deer Association (NDA) guide will help you sharpen your skills and ensure your new hunter has the best possible experience.

The Role of a Mentor

• Creating Positive Memories: Mentoring is more than just teaching someone how to hunt—it’s about giving them a positive, memorable experience. Think back to your first hunt—the people, the stories, the time spent in nature. Your goal is to create that same experience for your mentee.
• Building a Welcoming Environment: A successful mentorship begins with creating a welcoming environment. Let your new hunter know what to expect, pass on your skills, and stay focused on what brought you both together.

Tailoring the Experience to Your New Hunter

• Recognizing Different Motivations: Every new hunter is different. Some are eager to bring home venison; others are more focused on the thrill of the hunt. Be excited for their success, even if it’s not a trophy buck.
• Physical and Emotional Limits: Hunters have varying physical and emotional limits. Be prepared to adjust your hunt based on their needs—whether that’s offering extra hand warmers or a bottle of water. A surprise snack can turn a slow day into a memorable one!

Respecting Diversity

• Respect Differences: People come from various backgrounds, ages, races, genders, and cultures. Avoid divisive topics like politics or religion. Instead, focus on the shared love of hunting and nature.
• Topics to Discuss:
  • Why you both got into hunting
  • Strategies, scouting, and gear
  • Favorite recipes
  • Nature observations and hobbies

Hunting Skills: What to Keep in Mind

• Safety First: Always ensure your hunter’s safety. Make sure they are familiar with the firearm or crossbow, and be ready to step in if needed.
• Following Regulations: Make sure your new hunter follows all state regulations, knows when to shoot, and where to aim for a quick and ethical harvest.
• Blood Trail and Recovery: Teach them how to track a blood trail. Let them take the lead, but be ready to assist. When taking photos, ensure the animal is respectfully positioned and the photos are clean and presentable.

The Moment of the Harvest

• First Reactions: Every hunter reacts differently to harvesting their first animal. Some may want to celebrate, while others might need a quiet moment of reflection. Let them decide how to experience this special moment.

Field Dressing and Processing

• Field Dressing: Guide your new hunter through the field dressing process, offering encouragement if they feel hesitant. Most hunters are willing to try, and this skill will stick with them for life.
• Processing the Animal: Processing is another essential skill. If you feel rusty, don’t worry—NDA’s Field to Fork offers video tutorials on both field dressing and processing to help you and your hunter get on the same page.

Building the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

• Ongoing Support: Some mentor-mentee relationships turn into lifelong friendships, while others remain more professional. Both are perfectly fine. Stay in touch after the hunt, ask about their future plans, and be available for questions.

Why Mentoring Matters

• The Benefits: Many mentors say they get more out of the experience than they expected. You’ll learn new skills, make new friends, and experience the camaraderie of deer camp. Mentoring isn’t just about passing on your knowledge—it’s about being part of something special.