Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 623, sponsored by Senator Jake Corman (R-34), which authorizes the Pennsylvania Game Commission to expand its successful Mentored Youth Hunting Program to all ages. If passed and enacted into law, Senate Bill 263 would allow a licensed hunter to take an unlicensed adult hunter afield.
In 2006, the Game Commission launched the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, through legislative authority, with the stated goal to expand hunting opportunities for individuals under age 12 while maintaining safety afield. Senate Bill 623 expands this voluntary opportunity to all ages and is an important learning opportunity for prospective adult hunters.
"The mentored youth hunting program has been so successful that it has become a model for other states," said Senator Corman. "This legislation aims to make the successful youth program available for anyone to participate with the same goal to nurture interest and gain a better understanding of hunting and wildlife conservation."
Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support this important step towards preserving and strengthening our hunting heritage. Click here for help identifying your state Representative.