At Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors, we believe the outdoors is more than a place to hunt or fish — it is where young people can unplug from screens, improve their physical and mental health, and learn values that last a lifetime. In a time when many young people spend more time indoors than outside, meaningful outdoor experiences are more important than ever.
At the same time, the outdoor community is facing a serious challenge. Across the United States, there has been a major decline in licensed hunters and anglers, which directly impacts conservation funding and the future of our outdoor traditions. Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors’ primary mission is to help reverse that trend by passing on our hunting and fishing heritage to the next generation through mentorship, education, and opportunity.
OUR MISSION
Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors serves youth and young adults ages 11–22, connecting them with experienced volunteer mentors who are willing to share their knowledge, skills, and passion for the outdoors. Through safe, guided, and ethical outdoor experiences, participants gain confidence, learn responsibility, and develop a lifelong respect for nature.
Our programs are about far more than harvesting an animal or catching a fish. We focus on education, mentorship, and stewardship, emphasizing safety, conservation ethics, outdoor skills, and personal growth. Participants also learn about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, including how conservation is funded through license fees, excise taxes, and sportsmen-led initiatives. In addition, we introduce youth to the wide range of career opportunities within the outdoor industry, helping them see how their interests can lead to future involvement or even a profession.
WHAT WE’RE DOING IN OKLAHOMA Oklahoma has a strong outdoor heritage, and Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors is committed to strengthening that tradition by serving youth and young adults across the state. Through mentored hunting and fishing trips and hands-on outdoor education, we are creating opportunities that are accessible, safe, and impactful.
Events are already taking place across Oklahoma, providing meaningful outdoor experiences. As interest continues to grow, the organization plans to expand programming statewide with the help of volunteers, landowners, and community partners.
“Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors has done amazing work in Kansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and I am beyond excited to be bringing this programming to Oklahoma,” said Bobby L. Cole, Regional Program Manager. “Now that I live in Oklahoma, I know this state is the perfect fit for our organization, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
INVITING YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors welcomes youth from all backgrounds to sign up and join a mentored outdoor trip. Whether a participant is completely new to the outdoors or simply needs access and guidance, programs are designed to be welcoming and educational.
To participate in hunting trips, youth must be between the ages of 11–22 and have completed a certified Hunter Safety Course. For fishing trips, there are no age limits, making these outings an excellent way to introduce individuals of all ages to the outdoors.
THE NEED FOR VOLUNTEER MENTORS Volunteer mentors are the backbone of Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors. Mentors help teach outdoor skills and safety, share ethical hunting and fishing practices, educate youth about conservation, and create positive, life-changing experiences. To ensure the safety and well-being of all youth involved, every volunteer mentor is required to complete a mentor application and pass a background check prior to participating in any program activities. This requirement helps provide families, participants, and partners with confidence that youth are participating in a safe and trusted mentoring environment.
THE NEED FOR LANDOWNERS
Access to land remains one of the biggest challenges facing new hunters. Studies consistently show that the greatest barrier to recruiting new hunters is access to quality land. Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors is seeking landowners willing to allow mentored trips on their property to help remove that barrier.
The organization carries insurance that covers all parties involved, prioritizes safety and respect for private property, and notes that landowners may be eligible for tax deductions for allowing access.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Those interested in mentoring, providing land access, or learning more about the program can visit www.outdoormentors.org. Questions or inquiries can be directed to: Bobby L. Cole Regional Program Manager Phone: 620-789-5060 Email: [email protected] Together, Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors and Oklahoma communities can ensure the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation — one mentor, one participant, and one outdoor experience at a time.
