Florida’s wildlife depends on thoughtful management and a deep understanding of how land, animals, and people are connected. Hunting plays an important role in that balance, helping manage wildlife populations while funding conservation efforts across the state. But for many people, especially those without access or mentorship, getting started can feel out of reach.
Thanks to funding from our Foundation’s Wildlife Foundation of Florida specialty license plate, Cloud Nine Outdoors is working to change that. This $2,500 grant supports a hands-on program that introduces new hunters to the fundamentals of wildlife management, ethical hunting, and land stewardship.
Cloud Nine Outdoors’s mission focuses on supporting inner city youth through mentorship, education, and access to outdoor experiences that keep them engaged. Their programs connect participants not only to nature, but to skills and knowledge that can shape their future.
Using access to 40 acres of land across central Florida, the program guides 15 participants through every step of hunting. The group includes a mix of women and youth, many of whom are experiencing hunting for the first time. Participants learn how to set up feeders and trail cameras, tools that help monitor wildlife activity and assess the health of animal populations.
These lessons go beyond technique. By observing which animals are present and how they use the land, participants gain a clearer understanding of population dynamics and habitat capacity. They learn why certain regulations exist, including season dates, size limits, and bag limits, and how these rules help ensure sustainable wildlife populations for the future.
The program also includes guided hunts, paired with comprehensive firearm and hunter safety training. Each participant will complete a hunter safety course, giving them the knowledge and certification needed to continue hunting responsibly. The goal is not just a single experience but a lasting connection to the outdoors and the confidence to participate independently.
In addition to building skills, this project helps foster a new generation of conservation-minded hunters. Participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the role hunting plays in wildlife management and a stronger connection to Florida’s natural resources. Many go on to share their experiences with others, expanding the program’s impact even further.
If you believe in conserving Florida’s wildlife and preserving our hunting traditions, consider purchasing a Wildlife Foundation of Florida specialty license plate. $25 of your plate fee goes directly to support programs like this one.
