The Hunterizer Podcast team is joined by Rick Brazell, a lifelong hunter, wildlife biologist, and the founder and president of the First Hunt Foundation (FHF). FHF is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving America’s hunting heritage by connecting new hunters with experienced volunteer mentors across the United States. In this episode, Rick shares his passion for mentoring, details the foundation’s programs, and explains why passing on hunting traditions matters more than ever.
From Forest Supervisor to National Mentor Network
Rick Brazell spent over three decades with the U.S. Forest Service, eventually managing over 4 million acres, more than 600 employees, and a $47 million annual budget. He began as a wildlife biologist and later moved into management so he could directly influence habitat and wildlife decisions.
After retiring, Rick founded First Hunt Foundation with a simple idea: take new hunters on their first hunt. What began as a small effort grew into a national organization operating in all 50 states with approximately 1,500 volunteer mentors.
Why Mentorship Matters
Rick did not grow up with a hunting mentor. He learned through persistence, magazines, and absorbing knowledge from anyone willing to teach.
That early struggle shaped his belief that mentorship dramatically increases success.
A mentor provides:
- Real-time correction of shooting technique
- Habitat selection knowledge
- Ethical instruction
- Confidence building
First Hunt Foundation operates both structured camps and one-on-one mentoring programs. Importantly, they do not take someone hunting until they are confident in that person’s ability to shoot safely and ethically.
The Aging Hunter Problem
License sales data shows that the average hunter is aging. While participation spiked during COVID, long-term trends suggest fewer young hunters are entering the sport.
If the lower end of the participation curve does not grow, hunting participation may decline significantly in the next 10–20 years.
That decline impacts wildlife funding, conservation policy, and cultural support for regulated hunting.
Women: The Fastest Growing Segment
Women are currently the fastest-growing segment of new hunters in the United States.
First Hunt Foundation runs the “Share the HERitage” initiative to support and mentor women and girls.
Representation matters. Young girls seeing capable female hunters helps build confidence and long-term participation.
Ethics and Public Perception
National polling suggests approximately 75% of Americans support hunting when it is clearly connected to food and sustainability.
Public support declines when hunting is perceived as trophy-only or unnecessary.
First Hunt Foundation focuses on ethical, lawful, conservation-aligned hunting that strengthens public trust.
Technology as a Compliance Tool
Even experienced hunters struggle with changing regulations, shooting hours, and species-specific rules.
Tools like the Hunterizer Seasons App provide instant, location-specific clarity:
– What species are open
– Bag and possession limits
– Shooting hours
– Local regulations
This reduces accidental violations and lowers barriers for new hunters.
Mentorship + Technology
Mentorship teaches ethics and field skill. Technology supports compliance and confidence.
Together, they strengthen the future of hunting by making it accessible without lowering standards.
