Take Action Today! Senate Bill 218 is now in the House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee. It is likely the bill will be voted on Tuesday, April 11. Montana sportsmen should contact their state representative and ask them to vote YES on SB 218. Members can contact their state representative by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center.
A proposal allowing adults to try hunting while under the supervision of an experienced mentor has been sent to the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. Senate Bill 218, sponsored by Sen. Mark Blasdel (R-Kalispell), expands Montana’s current Apprentice Hunting program, to allow those 18 and older to participate. Currently, the program is open to ages 10-17. The Montana Senate approved SB 218 by a vote of 41-9 on March 9. SB 218 is expected to be heard next Tuesday April the 11 at 3 p.m. in room 152 in the Montana Capitol Building.
By expanding the law to allow adults to participate in mentor hunting, sportsmen can add more license buyers to their ranks. Research has shown apprentice hunting to be especially effective at attracting women and girls who want to try hunting. Last year, 4,573 apprentice hunting certificates were sold which generated $116,061 for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
“Apprentice hunting is incredibly safe, and an effective means to pass hunting on to the next generation,” said Luke Houghton associate director of state services. “The Sportsmen’s Alliance thanks Senator Blasdel for championing this legislation, and we encourage the Montana House to quickly pass Senate Bill 218.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.