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House Advances Apprentice Hunting License
Montpelier, Vt – Today, the Vermont House of Representatives passed H. 243, An Act Relating to the Creation of an Apprentice Hunting License. The bill would create a license that would allow hunters who have not taken a hunter education course to gain experience hunting under the guidance of a licensed adult hunter.
“Hunting is a great Vermont tradition,” said Speaker Smith. “This bill helps preserve that past time by giving young Vermonters a chance to try hunting.”
H. 243 creates a $10 apprentice license that would give a prospective hunter the opportunity to hunt with a licensed hunter over the age of 21. The license would be good for one season and could be applied for twice. Any animal taken by the apprentice would be part of the mentor’s daily limit. In order to get a full license the apprentice still must take a hunter education class.
“There is no better way to introduce a person to the safe, ethical and responsible aspects of hunting than with the close supervision of an adult mentor,” said Rep. Steve Adams, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Fish and Wildlife.
More than 20 states have created some type of apprentice hunting program. The House passed the bill on a voice vote. H. 243 will now be sent to the Senate for its consideration.
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