YORK, S.C. – July 14, 2025 – The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has partnered with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife (KYDFW) for a yearlong campaign called “Come With!” which focuses on increasing participation in hunting, trapping and target shooting across the Bluegrass State.
New data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) shows a 17 percent decline in target shooting participation since 2022. With additional reports of hunting and trapping numbers remaining flat, it is more important than ever to introduce new people to these activities.
OSCF research shows that millions of Americans from all walks of life are interested in giving activities like hunting and target shooting a try. One clear insight from years of research is that one of the most effective ways to get them off the fence and out into the field or on the range is a simple ask from a current hunter or target shooter that they already know and trust.
“Increasing participation in activities like hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting not only allows for more people to learn a new skill and become advocates for conservation, but it also brings much needed new customers to the market,” said Murray Road CEO and OSCF Board member Tim Brandt. “OSCF’s Come With! program is a low-cost way to engage with your current customers while growing future customers.”
The KYDFW “Come With!” campaign launched in April 2025 with a turkey hunting initiative, which reached more than 300,000 active hunters in Kentucky and resulted in a notable lift in license sales. Building on that momentum, the campaign continues this with a focus on target shooting this summer, followed by “Come With!” deer hunting and trapping activations in the fall and winter.
“It is great to see organizations like Kentucky Fish and Wildlife take matters into their own hands and grow participation with the Come With! program,” noted OSCF Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “If you feel that your company could use a few more customers, reach out to learn how Come With! can help expand your customer base during these tough market conditions. And the best part – there are no costs involved.”
About OSCF
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of gun ownership, hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the positive contributions HATS make to society. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag,” “Come With!,” “Connecting with Conservation,” “Donate A Deer” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org, follow @OutdoorStewards on Instagram or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, jim@stewardsofconservation.org. Keep up with the latest from OSCF on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Learn more about Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
This project was funded by a multistate conservation grant, which is jointly administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Conservation Investment and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.