The First Hunt Foundation, a non-profit organization that trains new hunters in the U.S., has awarded its National “R3 In Excellence Award” to Peter Churchbourne, Director of the NRA's Hunters' Leadership Forum. What's "R3"? It's a new way of thinking about the challenges facing the hunting community: Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation. Essentially, it's about introducing new hunters to the sport, keeping current hunters active in the outdoors, and encouraging seasoned but "retired" hunters to give it another shot (so to speak).
Churchbourne has been actively involved in the hunting and shooting industry for more than 25 years and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape for R3. Churchbourne's involvement in grassroots direct mentoring, all the way to executive level program development for R3 professionals, makes him the perfect candidate for this national award.
Churchbourne serves on many boards and selection committees, where his extensive and unique background within the hunting and shooting community enables him to provide real-life experience to help guide and lead. He is passionate about hunting and shooting sports, which drives him to go the extra mile for the next generation of American hunters.
First Hunt Foundation President Rick Brazell says, “The Foundation established the R3 in Excellence Award to spotlight people who are not only doing great day to day work in the R3 arena but are excellent role models for others to follow. Peter fits that bill perfectly with his passion for hunting and ensuring our hunting heritage is here to stay for generations to come. His list of accomplishments is long and stellar, and we are proud to recognize him with this award.”
"I am honored to be given such a prestigious national award. The First Hunt Foundation is the gold standard of how R3 should work in the field with direct one-on-one coaching and mentoring. I am grateful to be a part of their system and help them accomplish their mission," says Churchbourne after receiving the award.
