AFWA Honors TAG with Special Recognition Award for Work on National Plan

MADISON, WI – 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:

Members of The Assessment Group and TAG Review Panel at the 2022 National R3 Symposium.

The Assessment Group (TAG)