House Bill 1263, introduced by State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33), would help preserve South Dakota’s proud hunting heritage by granting the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks rulemaking authority to establish a youth mentored hunting program for children between ages 10 and 16. The current minimum hunting age in South Dakota is 12. While licensed youth hunters would still need to take a HuntSafe course, HB 1263 would establish a “try before you buy” program allowing younger kids to experience their first hunts without a license under the direct supervision of a licensed adult.
This bill is part of the Families Afield Initiative, a cooperative effort between NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The bill will be voted on by the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, February 12. Please contact the members of the Committee today and respectfully urge them to support HB1263.
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
State Representative Thomas Brunner (R-29), Chair
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State Representative Thomas Deadrick (R-21), Vice-Chair
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State Representative Mark DeVries (R-27)
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State Representative David Gassman (D-8)
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State Representative Clayton Halverson (D-1)
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State Representative Dale Hargens (D-22)
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State Representative Gordon Howie (R-30)
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State Representative Gary Jerke (R-19)
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State Representative Paul Nelson (R-6)
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State Representative Carol Pitts (R-7)
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State Representative David Sigdestad (D-1)
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State Representative Kim Vanneman (R-26B)
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State Representative Mike Vehle (R-20)
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