06/19/2007
Maine Passes Law to Help Bolster Hunter Numbers
Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill into law earlier this month that expands hunter opportunity in Maine and is in line with the concept of Families Afield. The bill, introduced by Wesley Richardson (R-Warren), will establish a one-year apprentice hunting license for persons 16 years and older, allowing novice hunters the chance to try hunting with an experienced, licensed hunter.
Mentored hunting and eliminating age barriers that prevent people from hunting are key components of the Families Afield program. A partnership of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Families Afield uses data from the Youth Hunting Report to help remove youth hunting barriers across the nation. The Youth Hunting Report also shows youth hunters are one of the safest hunters in the woods when accompanied by an adult.
