Families Afield legislation has been introduced in Montana to expand opportunities for youth try hunting. The bill creates an apprentice hunting certificate allowing potential hunters, under the direct supervision of an experienced adult mentor, to enter the field before completion of a hunter education course.

House Bill 382, introduced by State Representative Robin Hamilton (D-Missoula), is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation. The program urges states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age and other restrictions that often keep new hunters from ever entering the field. The partnership has worked across the country. Twenty seven states have passed similar legislation, putting over 208,000 new hunters into the field.

The House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee on Feb 3 held its first hearing on the bill.  Montana sportsmen should contact their state legislators to urge support for HB 382.  To find contact information for your Representative, please use the Legislative Action Center.