01/18/2006
Ohio Senate Committee Approves Legislation
Legislation designed to improve hunter recruitment rates in Ohio is one step closer to becoming law.
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 9-0 Wednesday in favor of HB 296, a bill that creates an apprentice hunting license. The license will allow qualified, adult hunters to introduce others to hunting prior to completing a hunter education course. While in the field, the apprentice hunter would be in close proximity to the adult mentor.
The bill now heads to the floor of the Senate, where it will be voted on next week.
"Today's youth are tomorrow's conservationists and if we don't instill in them the love of the outdoors at an early age, the hunting and conservation tradition could be lost," said Rob Keck, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. "We need to hook them on hunting at an early age, so they become appreciative of the hunting tradition. This will also increase hunter retention and ensure the future of conservation remains strong."
House Bill 296 is a part of the Families Afield program introduced by the NWTF, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Other states are also moving forward to remove youth hunting barriers. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed a bill to create a mentored youth hunting program. In Wisconsin, Assembly Bill 586, which creates an apprentice hunting license, was approved by the Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee, 4-1.
A report written by Silvertip Productions, USSA and Southwick Associates Inc., shows youth hunters are the safest hunters in the woods when accompanied by an adult. The report was funded by the NSSF and the NWTF.
The research compelled the three organizations to launch Families Afield, a program designed to work with hunters and elected officials about the impact of high age restrictions.
"The progress of this bill is important for all sportsmen," said Tony Celebrezze, director of state services for USSA. "The more hunters in the field, young or old, the better the future for hunting and conservation in Ohio."
The NWTF has led the charge in promoting youth hunting opportunities and has teamed up with the USSA and NSSF to remove youth hunting barriers across the nation.
For more information about Families Afield or the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF.
