I am Donny Adair, the founder and President of the African American Hunting Association LLC. I am passionate about outdoor recreation, particularly hunting. I hope that you find something in the pages of this blog that will encourage you to join us in one of the most exciting outdoor sports. For those of you who already hunt, maybe you will find some information to enhance your hunting skills, experience and enjoyment.
My story is a simple one. I was born in the northwest city of Portland, Oregon. I was raised primarily by my grandparents. My uncle and my grandfather took me fishing at a very young age and I have continuously angled for warm water species including Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill and other pan fish throughout my life.
I started hunting when I was in college at the University of Oregon in Eugene in the late 1960’s. Nestled in the Southern Willamette Valley, Eugene is 30 minutes from the Coast Mountain Range and even closer to the Cascade Mountains. There is a mix of farmland in the valley and public and private timberland, which is home to the elusive Blacktailed Deer, Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain Elk, Cougar, Bear and numerous small game species. Waterfowl and Upland Birds are also present. In fact the first pheasants brought to the United States from China were brought to Corvallis, Oregon, which is 20 minutes north of Eugene.
My early hunting experience was short lived but I came back to the sport later in life. I returned to Portland to live and work after college. My two (2) sons were the last of six (6) beautiful children. When they became ages 11 and 12, I took them to hunter education and together we passed the state test. I enjoyed taking the classes so much that I also later took additional classes and became certified as a Master Hunter. Donnell and Kenny are now 21 and 22. You will hear more about them on this site. Donnell, who is about to graduate from the U of O is shotgunner, who loves to hunt waterfowl and shoot trap and skeet. Kenny is great fisherman. We have enjoyed hunting and fishing together almost their entire life.
I have noticed that very few African Americans participate in the sport of hunting out here in the Western United States. I attend hunting and fishing expositions and shows annually. I usually only see one or 2 other people out of thousands of attendees that appear to be African American. Simply put, I think many of my people, both men and women are missing out on a fantastic opportunity for the outdoor experience of a lifetime. Also, because my professional and personal life has evolved around promoting cultural diversity, I want to bring people of all races and cultures together of to enjoy hunting and outdoor recreation. So this blog is dedicated to promoting diversity, understanding and respect for all people.
Hi, I am an African American female in Ohio. I read your article about the lack of African American hunters. You asked th question, Why we don’t we hunt? I am an avid angler and shoot trap. I belong to 2 ranges and have wanted to hunt for 4 years. I completed hunter safety. I was told to never hunt alone. The few hunters that I know are men none of whom want to take a woman or novice with them (or some may have wives that can’t believe a woman wants to just hunt). Most of the so called women outdoor programs do everything but hunt and the ones that do are far to pricey. Why don’t we hunt? Perhaps we just can’t find enough hunters out there who will teach us. Any suggestions?
Jacqueline thank you for sharing the difficult time you are having finding hunting partners in Ohio, I would like to challenge hunters in Ohio who would mentor you and other women in your area who would like to hunt to contact me on this blog. Perhaps we can set up a meeting. I would be happy to come, if we can get a sponsor to send me back there, and hold a conference and planning session. Perhaps there is a hunting club or resort we could start with and even involve the state hunting and fishing agency. Most state agencies have programs to attract, train and encourage women and youth to hunt. However, they are not specifically reaching out or targeting people of color to join in on the fun. Call of write them today to make them aware of this opportunity to expand the numbers of hunters. Our movement must start at the ground level. I know I have written my state agency here in Oregon and their first response indicates they just don’t get it!
The Federal Fish and Widlife Agency and the National Parks Service are reaching out to people of color. They sponsored a conference in Atlanta last fall called Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great Outdoors. You can write or cll them as well for any programs for hunters in your area. We need regional conferences so let’s do one in Ohio…Thank you again for lettings us know you are out there and void we need to fill. Donny Adair
i stay in far rockaway ny , but i want to get into hunting crossbow and shot gun do you know of any groups in new york or pa that a brother can get started , i was in the army for 6 years so know my way around weapons .but would love to take classes
Hello, Mr. Donny Adair,
I must say it was a true pleasure to come across this web site today. I have been a hunter for years. I have found that the time I spent with my son in the woods when he was young has help both him and I cope with the struggles that life can sometimes bring us. I can also relate to your struggle. Years ago I also noticed that very few African American youth, or adults, participate in the sport of hunting. It has bothered me for some time that the African American youth is not getting this oportunity. I started dreaming about getting African American youth out of the hoods and into the woods about seven years ago. I had hopes of sharing with them the same memories I shared with my son. Unfortunatly, I have only been talking and not tacking any action. You see, I am a white man and when I tell people my dreams of starting a mentor program that would take the inner city African American youth out of thier nieghbor “hoods” and into the “woods” the first response I get is “It will never work”, so I can relate when you say their first response indicates they just don’t get it!, because they dont.
Your web site has renewed my hope to take action. I look forward to watching your show and look forward to staying in touch. Its amazing how God unites people when you least expect it, maybe one day we can unite on a hunt together.
Thank you for your comments and your thoughts. Don’t let your heritage be barrier to reaching out to others. Some of my strongest support is coming from whites who want to expand opportunities for people to enjoy the great outdoors regardless of ethnicity, gender, etc.
Donny Adair
Hello Mr. Donny, I like what you are doing. I also whatch the outdoor network religiously. I’m new to hunting, i just got into it last year. Do you have your own youtube channel, that makes it easier to filter through your videos? also not to cause controversy, why did you choose African American over Black American, seeing how even though Africa may be out heritage, Black Americans are uniquely different than Black Africans, just asking.
I have left several comment’s this is a awesome page and can go place’s i agree with joseph that african american should be remove because you are american. I’m also a black man but don’t call myself african american i’m american represent the page that way i know it’s not my page but it’s a suggestion i fought so long not be called that an it has been successful don’t stipulate your page sir it’ll be something a team of black people represented as only american not african american.
Hello Mr. Adair I enjoyed browsing your web page and I’m pleased to inform you that the east coast has a large number of Black Men who hunt to include myself.
I was raised in south Florida and for my 11th birthday my grandfather gave me a York Recurve and the rest is history. After graduating from high school I enlisted in the Army and retired in 2006 after serving 20 years and I’m blessed to be able to hunt, fish or camp at least twice a month.
I’m a member of an all Black hunt club in Raeford NC, an avid bow hunter who specializes in Traditional archery (recurves & longbows), I also enjoy hand gun hunting with my tricked out Dan Wesson .44 Mag. Last but not least I love knives and I have a large collection of Custom & Randall made Knives both outdoor and tactical military types.
The knowledge I acquired in fieldcraft, survival and woodsmanship I’m passing it on to the next generation of young black hunters.
Look me up on facebook and check out my Hunting Pictures.
Kelvin Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Also thank you for your military service. My step dad retired from the air force. He was not a hunter like us, but a strong and caring man. Maybe I could come to Raeford with my Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag and film us shooting some hogs or deer. Please contact me me at donnyadair@yahoo.com . I want to include you in an opportunity to talk with high ranking government oficila who would like to increase support for Black hunters and conservationists.
Hello mr Adair, I am so glad you put this website together.. I am a black female who LOVES hunting.. I’ve also hunt alligator as well.. I am from the long star state of Texas.. It’s sad that it’s not enough to represent hunting.. I wasn’t raised on hunting but fishing.. When I got hunting, I be lucky if it’s more than three of us.. I really admire you for trying to change the diverse of hunting.. Thank you and God Bless.
Stephanie
Stephannie I am so glad you let us know that black women can and do hunt. Be sure to sign up on the website (aahunt.com). I will be making memberships available soon. Right now I am making sure that AAHA members will get some benefits for signing up.
Also, a young black woman hunter who relocated to Texas from Lousiana was looking for hunting partners. If you would like to connect with her you can email me at donnyadair@yahoo.com . I also must come to Texas and experience whitetail deer, hogs and javelina. So let me know if you would like to film a hunt with us and let’s make it happen. Let’s show the world a black huntress. God Bless.