Mothers as Catalysts for Family change

The great outdoors offers an incredible opportunity for families to connect, grow, and develop skills that nurture a lifetime of memories and a deep appreciation for nature. This is the focus of the collaboration between wildHERness and the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. (MHHF), who are partnering to offer a unique Mom & Me: Learn to Hunt Squirrel Clinic. This event aims to engage mothers and their children in the world of squirrel hunting, providing a foundation of outdoor skills, confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is the chance to experience nature together. Studies have shown that engaging in outdoor activities with a parent build strong bonds, foster trust, and open lines of communication. Whether it’s hiking through a forest, setting up a camp, or hunting for squirrels, these shared moments create a unique environment where learning and teaching become reciprocal.

For mothers, in particular, these outdoor experiences can be transformative. Mothers tend to be key influencers in the emotional and physical development of their children, and when they actively engage in new experiences like hunting, they pass down not only the technical skills but also the courage and curiosity required to explore the unknown. Outdoor recreation becomes a hands-on learning experience, where both mother and child step outside of their comfort zones, tackle challenges together, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. By learning to hunt, they gain self-reliance, patience, and an understanding of the natural world.

In the case of a hunting clinic like this, the dynamic is special. Hunting offers practical lessons in responsibility and conservation. As children observe their moms practicing ethical hunting—such as respect for wildlife and the ecosystem—they develop a respect for the natural resources that sustain us. This becomes a valuable lifelong lesson.

Mothers are often at the heart of family decision-making, especially when it comes to health, recreation, and lifestyle choices. When mothers take the lead in learning new outdoor skills like hunting, they not only empower themselves but also institute whole-family change. This can shift the dynamics of the household toward a more active, nature-focused lifestyle, where outdoor exploration, wildlife conservation, and sustainability become family values.

Research shows that children are more likely to engage in activities that their parents support and actively participate in. When a mom demonstrates excitement and commitment to outdoor activities like hunting, the enthusiasm tends to spread to other family members. This type of influence is especially important in shaping a child's attitudes toward outdoor recreation. Mothers, by leading their children through the experience of learning to hunt, contribute to a tradition of family time spent outdoors, whether it's hiking, hunting, fishing, or other forms of nature-based recreation.

This change is not limited to weekends in the woods. The skills learned during a hunting camp—focus, patience, endurance—translate into other areas of life, creating children who are more confident, resilient, and eager to explore the world.

Retention Rates of Children Exposed to Outdoor Recreation

The collaboration between wildHERness and MHHF aligns perfectly with growing research indicating that early exposure to outdoor activities has lasting effects on children. The retention rate of children who are introduced to outdoor recreation—especially through immersive experiences like camps—is significantly higher than those who are not exposed at all.

According to studies by organizations like the Outdoor Foundation, children who engage in nature-based activities are more likely to continue participating in those activities into adulthood. This is particularly true for children who experience outdoor activities with a parent or guardian. Such children often return to these pursuits on their own, inspired by the positive memories and the skills they developed early on.

In terms of hunting specifically, children who are introduced to the sport through family-centered programs have been found to continue hunting later in life at higher rates than those who were introduced through other means. Clinics like the Mom & Me Squirrel hunt are crucial in fostering a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts who understand and respect wildlife conservation, while simultaneously realizing their role as part of nature.

Moreover, these activities help bridge the gap between generations, as children who hunt with their parents tend to pass on the tradition to their own children in the future. It is through this cyclical retention that hunting, conservation, and an appreciation for the outdoors become embedded within family and cultural traditions.

The Mom & Me: Learn to Hunt Squirrel Clinic represents a powerful collaboration between two incredible conservation organizations: wildHERness and the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. By focusing on moms and their children, the camp strengthens family bonds, empowers mothers to be catalysts for change, and nurtures the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. This program not only teaches valuable hunting skills but also promotes a deep respect for nature and the role families can play in conservation efforts. As research suggests, children who participate in outdoor recreation with their parents are more likely to continue these activities throughout their lives, ensuring that these experiences will be carried forward for future generations. And that is what it’s all about, isn’t it?

The Mom & Me Squirrel Clinic will be held July 31- August 2, 2026 in Urich, Missouri at Duckhorn Lodge, and offers a fun and hands-on way for families to dive into hunting. The weekend starts with internet assisted hunter education certification, where moms and kids will learn about firearm safety and how to stay safe in the field. To give everyone a solid introduction, there will be a lesson on squirrel biology and hunting tips before the hunt. After some shooting practice to sharpen their skills, the group will go on a mentored hunt, with experienced guides helping along the way. It’s a great chance for moms and kids to bond, learn new skills, and experience their first hunt together in a supportive environment.

Please visit www.wildHERness.org to learn about other outdoor activities for women. To register and explore additional hunting opportunities for youth, visit www.mhhf.us.

Authored by Jess Rice, mother, Co-Founder of wildHERness, and former member of the MHHF Board of Directors.

Photo 1: Mom Nanette (left) and son Ian attended the first annual Mom & Me Learn to Hunt Squirrel Clinic in 2025 and were guided by Mentor Tamra (center).

Photo 2: Several moms integral to MHHF at the 2026 Membership Meeting (left to right) - Karen Hoover, Jerri Lynn Keith, Stacie Hubler and daughter Allison.

Photo 3: Mom Jacqueline (left) son Robert show off their squirrel targets while patterning their shotguns during the 2025 clinic.