Collaborative Initiative Aims to Expand Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Curriculum Opportunities to More Schools in Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish’s Inspire a Kid Campaign is a collaborative initiative to expand conservation education opportunities for Wyoming’s youth. Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik, Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and Governor Mark Gordon announced the collaboration last week and now more details about the initiative have been released. Conservation education programs that will be offered include Trout in the Classroom, the National Archery in the Schools Program and Hunter Education.

Trout in the Classroom will allow students to explore aquatic ecosystems through hands-on experience. Over a semester, teachers and students raise trout from eggs and release them into approved local waterways. Teachers use a customizable interdisciplinary curriculum to fit their students’ grade levels. Students will learn about the life cycle and aquatic habitat of trout. This program is made possible by a partnership with Trout Unlimited.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) teaches students discipline, focus, self-control and patience. This program equips physical education teachers with instructional training and equipment to teach students the sport of archery, focusing on safety and conservation principles. This program is made possible by a partnership with  the Wyldlife Fund.

Hunter education is not a new program for Wyoming, but starting this fall youth will have an increased opportunity to learn about hunter safety and ethics as part of their school curriculum. Beyond firearm safety, the Wyoming Hunter Education curriculum encompasses a holistic, hands-on approach and teaches various topics, including wildlife management and conservation, wilderness survival, wildlife identification, bear safety, field care of game meat, marksmanship and game laws. Beginning in January, schools can participate in all three of the programs, which align with Wyoming education standards.