Post by Hardcase on Jan 28, 2008 18:30:35 GMT -5
January 25, 2008 (National)
Legislation creating a mentored hunting program in Wisconsin will soon come to a vote. Now is the time for sportsmen to contact legislators and ask for their support.
Assembly Bill 672, sponsored by Representatives Gunderson (R- Waterford), creates a mentored hunting license, permitting experienced sportsmen to take a newcomer hunting before completing a hunter education course. Similar programs have been enacted in 21 states. In the Wisconsin bill, the apprentice must be within arm's reach, and there can be only one firearm between the two. States that permit apprentice/mentored hunting are better able to recruit new hunters, and they are actually safer.
The measure also removes an archaic ban on allowing youth under 12 to target shoot. Wisconsin is the only state to have such a restrictive provision.
“Establishing a mentored hunting license in Wisconsin will ensure the future of hunting and conservation efforts,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. “Tomorrow’s youth will be able to take to the field today with a mentor to enjoy the outdoors and learn our traditions.”
The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the US Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. The bill is also supported by the National Rifle Association, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin chapters of Safari Club, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the Hunter's Rights Coalition.
Similar legislation will also be introduced in the Wisconsin Senate.
Take Action! Wisconsin sportsmen should call their state representative and state senator to urge them to support AB 672 and mentored hunting. To contact your representative call (608) 266-9960 or visit the Legislative Action Center for information on your specific senator and representative.
Legislation creating a mentored hunting program in Wisconsin will soon come to a vote. Now is the time for sportsmen to contact legislators and ask for their support.
Assembly Bill 672, sponsored by Representatives Gunderson (R- Waterford), creates a mentored hunting license, permitting experienced sportsmen to take a newcomer hunting before completing a hunter education course. Similar programs have been enacted in 21 states. In the Wisconsin bill, the apprentice must be within arm's reach, and there can be only one firearm between the two. States that permit apprentice/mentored hunting are better able to recruit new hunters, and they are actually safer.
The measure also removes an archaic ban on allowing youth under 12 to target shoot. Wisconsin is the only state to have such a restrictive provision.
“Establishing a mentored hunting license in Wisconsin will ensure the future of hunting and conservation efforts,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. “Tomorrow’s youth will be able to take to the field today with a mentor to enjoy the outdoors and learn our traditions.”
The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the US Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. The bill is also supported by the National Rifle Association, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin chapters of Safari Club, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the Hunter's Rights Coalition.
Similar legislation will also be introduced in the Wisconsin Senate.
Take Action! Wisconsin sportsmen should call their state representative and state senator to urge them to support AB 672 and mentored hunting. To contact your representative call (608) 266-9960 or visit the Legislative Action Center for information on your specific senator and representative.
