Apprentice hunting bill advances
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Under the Mentored Youth Hunting program, a kid age 11 or under — too young even to take the Hunter-Trapper Education Course — can legally hunt limited species if she’s closely accompanied by an adult mentor 21 or over and in ownership of a Mentored Youth Hunting Permit, which costs $2.90.
An adult age 18 or over who has not taken the hunter education course and never owned a hunting license in Pennsylvania or elsewhere can legally hunt all game animals except antlered deer if he’s accompanied by an adult mentor and in ownership of a Mentored Adult Hunting Permit, which costs $20.90, same as an adult resident license.
But what about would-be hunters age 12 to 16 who just want to experience a hunt to see if it’s as thrilling as they’ve heard?
Late last month the state House Committee on Game and Fisheries unanimously passed a bill that would expand Pennsylvania’s mentored hunting program to include hunters who are 12 to 16 years old. Sponsored by Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus member Neil Goodman, D-Schuylkill, House Bill 485 is among dozens of apprentice hunting initiatives nationwide designed to expand hunting recruitment, particularly in younger generations, and maintain a sustainable stream of conservation funding.
The Families Afield programs have recruited nearly 2 million apprentice hunters who supporters claim are statistically more than five times safer than the general hunting population. • LAST WEEK: Resident Canada geese are a nuisance. More should be done to reduce their numbers.
“Not only will this legislation make it much easier for parents and young people to be exposed to hunting, it’s also a great example of how policymaking around hunting and fishing issues can bridge the political divide,” said Robb Miller, advisor to Gov. Tom Wolf on hunting, fishing and conservation, in a statement. “Next, we’ll turn our attention to having House Bill 485 voted before the full House and sent to the Senate for consideration.”
Return of TriAnglers
Nine fish were caught May 3 when Venture Outdoors’ free Wednesday lunchtime fishing program returned to Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Open weekly 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. near the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Rods, tackle and assistance are provided by VO volunteers. Island Firearms donates the live bait. Fishing license requirements apply. Details at 412-255-0564, www.ventureoutdoors.org.