mentorship – American Outdoor News Magazine

On Target with the + One Mentorship Initiative

Chris Avena interviewed Justin Morrissey from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to discuss the +One Mentorship Initiative. The program encourages hunting mentorship and shooting sports participation through partnerships with groups like the National Deer Association and Pheasants Forever. Originally built around pledges, the +One Initiative now focuses on measurable recruitment and mentorship to expand hunting participation and firearm safety education.

Through +One, the NSSF created a national mentorship network that connects experienced hunters with newcomers. Morrissey highlighted scalable programs like Learn to Hunt, which teach outdoor skills and firearms safety in a welcoming, inclusive environment. He emphasized the importance of mentors who can adapt, communicate, and support new hunters with patience and understanding. The NSSF plans to launch a national mentor recruitment campaign to expand these efforts even further.

Today, the +One Initiative includes over 62,000 mentors who reach more than half a million new participants each year. These mentors include hunting instructors, shooting coaches, and first responders who promote firearm safety and outdoor ethics. Morrissey explained that the partnership model is far more scalable and impactful than traditional awareness pledges.

The +One Mentorship Initiative is helping preserve America’s outdoor heritage through education, inclusion, and mentorship. By teaching new generations about hunting, conservation, and firearm responsibility, NSSF and Justin Morrissey are ensuring the future of our hunting and shooting sports traditions.

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November 11, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcasts+One, mentorship, NSSF, NSSF+One, PlusOne0 Comments

Mentor the Hunter of Tomorrow

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mitch Strobl from Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, a nonprofit organization that is making a real impact in the world of hunting and fishing. The organization’s mission is clear: to connect kids with mentors who can teach them the values, skills, and joys of the outdoor lifestyle. Through structured programs and strong partnerships with state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and local volunteers, Pass It On has created an accessible pathway for youth to experience hunting and fishing—many for the first time. During our conversation, Mitch spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship in preserving our outdoor heritage. With fewer young people being introduced to the outdoors through traditional family structures, programs like Pass It On fill a critical gap. Mitch shared stories of kids who had never held a fishing rod or fired a rifle before joining the program—some of whom now return year after year, even bringing younger siblings or eventually mentoring others themselves. It’s a powerful testament to the long-term impact that one positive experience in the outdoors can have on a young life. Our interview served as a strong reminder that the future of hunting and fishing depends not only on conservation but on education and community. Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is helping to build that foundation, one youth and one mentor at a time. Their work not only promotes outdoor skills but fosters responsibility, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature. It was an inspiring conversation with Mitch Strobl, and we’re proud to spotlight their efforts in American Outdoor News. http://OutdoorMentors.org https://AmericanOutdoorNews.com

May 14, 2025

By Chris AvenaPodcastsFishing, Hunting, mentorship, outdoor mentors, pass it on0 Comments