06/20/2007
South Carolina and Oklahoma Open Youth Hunting Days
South Carolina
Supported by the South Carolina Sportsmen's Caucus, including Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mike Pitts, legislation passed and has been signed by the Governor to reduce the age restriction for participation in Youth Hunting Days. The legislation allows all youth under the age of 18 to enjoy Youth Days, provided they are accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years of age and older. Prior, only youth ages 10 to 18 could participate. South Carolina hosts numerous Youth Hunting Days for dove, deer, turkey and other game throughout the year.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, a bill was approved by the legislature and signed by the Governor to allow youth under 16 to hunt small game without taking hunter safety education if they are accompanied by a licensed hunter over 21. New hunters from ages 16 to 35 may also purchase an apprentice license, which will allow them to hunt all game, but a licensed hunter at least 21 years of age must accompany them.
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.
