The Assessment Group (TAG), a dedicated coalition of 40 professionals from across the United States, was honored with the prestigious Special Recognition Award at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) 2024 Annual Awards Banquet. Celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations to the advancement of fish and wildlife conservation, the award was presented in Madison, Wisconsin.

TAG was recognized for its pivotal role in developing the National Hunting and Shooting Sports R3 Practitioner’s Guide. The award celebrates TAG’s remarkable efforts in recruiting, retaining, and reactivating (R3) hunters, target shooters, and other outdoor recreationists, and for their instrumental work in establishing best practices and industry standards for the R3 community.

“The impact of TAG’s work cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Steven Leath, the Executive Director of the Council. “Their commitment and achievements have significantly advanced our shared mission, establishing first-ever industry standards and unifying the R3 community. This guide is the premier resource for R3 professionals and a road map for future R3 initiatives.”

TAG’s nomination highlighted their extensive dedication to the mission of unifying and supporting R3 professionals. Formed in February 2021, TAG comprises representatives from state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, conservation non-profits, and industry partners. In collaboration with the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, and with strategic support from DJ Case & Associates, TAG has devoted more than 4,000 hours to advancing the goals of the 2016 National Hunting and Shooting Sports Action Plan.

Over a two-year period, TAG engaged over 117 stakeholders, including R3 professionals and community members, through focus groups, workshops, and discussions to develop a living, web-based Practitioner’s Guide. This guide, now a cornerstone for the R3 community, provides best practices, recommendations, and resources, offering the most comprehensive documentation of current R3 strategies. It has had a transformative impact, clearly defining what R3 is and unifying efforts under a shared vision. By addressing the core needs of the growing R3 workforce, TAG has laid the foundation for national success in recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts.

For more information about the R3 Practitioner’s Guide, visit cahss.org/r3-practitioners-guide.

Members of The Assessment Group and TAG Review Panel Include:

The Assessment Group (TAG)

• Taniya Bethke, Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports
• Swanny Evans, Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports
• Silvana Yaroschuk, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
• Jae Ellison, International Hunter Education Association
• Josh Gold, Archery Trade Association
• Justin Grider, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Rachel Crume, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
• Astrid Huseby, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
• Keith Warnke, Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
• Megan Wisecup, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Micah Holmes, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
• Craig Kelling, US Fish and Wildlife Service
• Mark Horobetz, Ducks Unlimited
• Colby Kerber, Pheasants Forever Inc.
• Phil Seng, DJ Case & Associates
• Brittany French, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors
• Michael “John” Hubener, USA Clay Target League

TAG Review Panel

• Carlee Koutnik, Artemis
• Chuck Sykes, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Susan Steffen, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
• Jim Curcuruto, Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation, Inc.
• Bruce Rich, One Montana: Master Hunter Program
• Matt Harlow, DJ Case & Associates
• Caroline Wilson, Brandt Information Services
• Christopher Kilgour, Color in the Outdoors
• Nick Wiley, Ducks Unlimited
• Joel Brice, Delta Waterfowl Foundation
• Mitch Strobl, Gordon-Darby
• Alex Baer, International Hunter Education Association
• Peter Novotny, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Thomas Floyd, National Archery in the Schools Program
• Mandy Harling, National Wild Turkey Federation
• Hunter Nikolai, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports mission is to facilitate the promotion and growth of hunting and the shooting sports and the education of the public on the contributions that hunters and shooters make towards wildlife conservation. For more information visit us online at www.cahss.org.

The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports is supported by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program as awarded by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (F22AP00350)