Nevada is one step away from becoming the 28th to pass Families Afield legislation making it easier for people to get into the field and try hunting.
Assembly Bill 246, sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien (D- Washoe County), creates an apprentice hunting license for those 12 and older. The license allows newcomers the opportunity to try hunting, while accompanied by an experienced adult mentor, before completing a hunter education course. An apprentice will be allowed to hunt upland game birds, waterfowl, and small game.
AB 246 passed the Assembly on May 15 by a 38-2 vote. It then cleared the Senate unanimously a week later on May 22. All that remains is the signature of Governor Jim Gibbon.
“Getting the next generation of hunters into the field today is the key to guaranteeing the future of hunting,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President and CEO Bud Pidgeon. “We are pleased to see Nevada joining the growing list of states to make this issue a priority.”
The effort 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 to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. 27 states have already enacted Families Afield style bills since the program was launched in 2004 resulting in over 208,000 new apprentice hunters.
In Nevada, USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation worked with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Nevada Chapters of Safari Club International (SCI) and others to ensure support for AB 246.
Take Action! Nevada sportsmen are urged to contact Nevada Governor Jim Gibbon and ask him to sign the bill. The Governor can be reached by contacting the State Capitol at (775) 684-5670 or sending a fax to (775) 684-5683. He can be contacted at http://gov.state.nv.us/Contact_Us_NORTHX.htm.