this was copied from my nra news letter that i had received via email. im not sure how i feel about this. when i was younger i walked along with my dad when he hunted from age 8 uptill 15. when i was 16 that was the first time i hunted alone. hunting with my father when i was younger gave me great respect for the power of a rifle and even more appreciation of the beauty of the big woods. i think this is a decent idea. imo
Today, Governor Jim Doyle (D) signed Senate Bill 167 into law.
Sponsored by State Senator Jim Holperin (D-12), SB167 will establish a mentored hunting program in Wisconsin. Similar to last year’s mentored hunting bill, it will provide first-time hunters a “try before you buy” opportunity to get the full experience of hunting before committing to a hunter education course. SB167 will require a new hunter to be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age and always within arms reach. Only one firearm will be allowed between the two hunters. The bill will also lower the hunting age in Wisconsin from 12 to 10 for individuals participating in the mentored hunting program.
Statistics show that states that allow hunters to start at earlier ages have a better safety record than states with higher minimum ages. SB167 will help ensure Wisconsin’s hunting tradition for generations to come, as states with lower age minimums also have a higher rate of hunter participation and retention, which helps the state in wildlife conservation efforts.
Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call to act in support of SB167. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.