Ep.131 How A Maine Nonprofit Gets Kids Hunting Safely

Send us Fan MailSomething big is at stake when fewer kids learn to hunt, and Ron from Moose Maine Kids says it plainly: without new hunters, we risk losing a major pillar of conservation funding, hands-on habitat work, and a core piece of Maine outdoor heritage. We start with his own story, getting dragged into cold deer mornings as a kid because the family needed food, then growing into the kind of outdoorsman who understands hunting as more than recreation. From there, we get into the practical craft of youth hunting mentorship. Ron explains why “interest” is fragile but “success” is sticky, and how Moose Maine Kids designs mentored youth hunts to give beginners a real chance while keeping gun safety at the center of everything. Their Maine youth turkey hunt program stands out because it is active, engaging, and structured so kids can focus on the woods waking up, the first gobble, and the thrill of doing something hard the right way. We also talk about what it takes to scale this work statewide, from equipment to logistics to the volunteer network that makes dozens of hunts possible. Then the conversation shifts to the Dream Adventures program, offering hunts and fishing trips for kids with critical illnesses, including the fight to make sure “dream adventure moose permits” actually serve Maine kids. Ron shares the emotional side of guiding families through unforgettable days outdoors, even when the animals do not cooperate, and why the messages that come afterward from kids and parents are the real measure of impact. If this story moves you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find Moose Maine Kids and support the mission.Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!