The North Dakota Game & Fish Department has partnered with Pheasants Forever to promote a new initiative encouraging experienced hunters to introduce others to the sport. By taking part in the Hunter Mentor Pledge, participants can help a new or returning hunter experience the thrill of being in the field or forest. The initiative, open through June 30, 2025, covers all in-season game species in the Peace Garden State.

Although most Americans support hunting for food, involvement continues to drop as hunters age out and account for a decreasing portion of the total population. Hunting is an integral element of American culture.

One-on-one mentorship is the finest approach organizers can think of to reactivate responsible new hunters-conservationists or reactivate those who have dropped out of hunting.

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Here’s how it works: Pledge to mentor someone new (or lapsed) by taking them on a hunting trip. After the hunt, participants are encouraged to submit a photo and a short recap of their experience on the Pheasants Forever website. This submission qualifies both the mentor and the new hunter for a chance to win a $500 Scheels gift card, exclusive to North Dakota participants. Additionally, they’ll be entered to win other national prizes.

This is a great opportunity to share your passion for hunting and help preserve the tradition for future generations. Not only does it create lasting memories, but it also offers the chance to win exciting rewards.

Remember that this initiative, open through June 30, 2025, covers all in-season game species. Get out there, pledge, and enjoy mentoring a new hunter in North Dakota!

States with the most registered hunters

Stacker analyzed data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine which states have the most registered hunters. Read on to see how your state ranks on Stacker’s list.

Gallery Credit: Meagan Drillinger

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany