From the NSSF Bullet Points:
. . . The Michigan Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill that would eliminate the state's minimum hunting age and create a mentored youth hunting program for those under the age of 10. The bill, which passed by a vote of 30-6, would allow youths to hunt under the supervision of an experienced adult mentor. It now moves to the House, where an identical bill is already pending. The legislation is part of the nationwide Families Afield effort to increase youth involvement in hunting by allowing young hunters to safely experience outdoor hunting traditions under the supervision of an experienced mentor. Read more about the bill.
Showing posts with label Families Afield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Families Afield. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Vermont Becomes 30th State to Join Families Afield Ranks
I just got back from a signing cerimony for H 243, the Vermont Mentored Hunting License bill. Governor Jim Douglas thanked everyone involved in passing the bill, especially Representative Steve Adams. I testified two times in favor of the bill based on my work at the national level with the Families Afield partners and safety research while at the International Hunter Education Association.
Thanks to the VT Traditions Coalition, DU and TU for backing the bill and the support of the VT Fish and Wildife Dept. This "Learners Permit" for hunting was one of the goals set at the Future of Hunting in VT conference held several years ago in Castleton. It will go into effect in 2011 and is open for people of all ages and residence.
From the US Sportsman's Alliance web site:
Vermont Becomes 30th State to Join Families Afield Ranks
Today, Vermont became the 30th state to pass Families Afield legislation aimed at reducing barriers for the next generation of sportsmen.
Thanks to the VT Traditions Coalition, DU and TU for backing the bill and the support of the VT Fish and Wildife Dept. This "Learners Permit" for hunting was one of the goals set at the Future of Hunting in VT conference held several years ago in Castleton. It will go into effect in 2011 and is open for people of all ages and residence.
From the US Sportsman's Alliance web site:
Vermont Becomes 30th State to Join Families Afield Ranks
Today, Vermont became the 30th state to pass Families Afield legislation aimed at reducing barriers for the next generation of sportsmen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Apprentice Hunter Bill Headed for a Vote
From US Sportsman's Alliance:
Vermont Apprentice Hunter Bill
Headed for a Vote
On March 12, House Bill 243, the Apprentice Hunter bill, passed out of committee opening the door to a possible vote before the full House of Representatives this week.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), is part of the national Families Afield initiative designed to allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.
“Apprentice hunting programs have proven to be an extremely safe, effective and popular tool across the country in recruiting the next generation of sportsmen,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. “Vermont sportsmen should voice their support for this measure which will allow them to become the 30th Families Afield state.”
House Bill 243 passed the committee by a vote of 8 to 1 and could appear before the full House of Representatives as soon as this week.
“The creation of an apprentice hunting license modeled after such a successful, nationwide initiative is exactly what is needed to help secure the future of hunting in Vermont,” said Frank Stanley, director of government affairs for the Vermont Traditions Coalition. “We applaud the efforts of Representative Steve Adams for his dedication to Vermont’s sporting heritage.”
The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to reduce barriers to new hunters entering the field. Also giving key support to the Vermont effort are the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.
Take Action! Vermont sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state representatives and urge them to support HB 243. Tell them that this bill is an important step to ensure the next generation of Vermont hunters take to the field. To find your state representatives’ contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
For more information regarding the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network, call 614-888-4868, or email Greg R. Lawson, director of communications at glawson@ussportsmen.org or Sharon Hayden, assistant director of communications at shayden@ussportsmen.org.
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614-888-4868
www.ussportsmen.org
info@ussportsmen.org
Vermont Apprentice Hunter Bill
Headed for a Vote
On March 12, House Bill 243, the Apprentice Hunter bill, passed out of committee opening the door to a possible vote before the full House of Representatives this week.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), is part of the national Families Afield initiative designed to allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.
“Apprentice hunting programs have proven to be an extremely safe, effective and popular tool across the country in recruiting the next generation of sportsmen,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. “Vermont sportsmen should voice their support for this measure which will allow them to become the 30th Families Afield state.”
House Bill 243 passed the committee by a vote of 8 to 1 and could appear before the full House of Representatives as soon as this week.
“The creation of an apprentice hunting license modeled after such a successful, nationwide initiative is exactly what is needed to help secure the future of hunting in Vermont,” said Frank Stanley, director of government affairs for the Vermont Traditions Coalition. “We applaud the efforts of Representative Steve Adams for his dedication to Vermont’s sporting heritage.”
The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to reduce barriers to new hunters entering the field. Also giving key support to the Vermont effort are the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.
Take Action! Vermont sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state representatives and urge them to support HB 243. Tell them that this bill is an important step to ensure the next generation of Vermont hunters take to the field. To find your state representatives’ contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
For more information regarding the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network, call 614-888-4868, or email Greg R. Lawson, director of communications at glawson@ussportsmen.org or Sharon Hayden, assistant director of communications at shayden@ussportsmen.org.
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614-888-4868
www.ussportsmen.org
info@ussportsmen.org
Monday, January 25, 2010
WISCONSIN'S MENTORED HUNTING LAW HITS THE TARGET
From NSSF:
WISCONSIN'S MENTORED HUNTING LAW HITS THE TARGET . . . After the first season of mentored hunting in Wisconsin, officials are calling the program an unqualified success, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We had good participation and, most importantly, an excellent safety record, said Randy Stark, chief conservation warden with the state's Department of Natural Resources. Some 10,564 young people aged 10 and 11 were introduced to hunting last fall in Wisconsin because of a new law that became effective Sept. 1, 2009, and 13,271 mentored hunting licenses were sold. Wisconsin is one of 28 states to adopt Families Afield legislation, an initiative of NSSF, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, to break down barriers preventing young people from hunting with their families and other supervisory adults.
Note from Eric - Hopefully Vermont's Apprentice hunting bill (H243) will move this winter. Currently it is in Ways and Means after passing out of Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources last session.
WISCONSIN'S MENTORED HUNTING LAW HITS THE TARGET . . . After the first season of mentored hunting in Wisconsin, officials are calling the program an unqualified success, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We had good participation and, most importantly, an excellent safety record, said Randy Stark, chief conservation warden with the state's Department of Natural Resources. Some 10,564 young people aged 10 and 11 were introduced to hunting last fall in Wisconsin because of a new law that became effective Sept. 1, 2009, and 13,271 mentored hunting licenses were sold. Wisconsin is one of 28 states to adopt Families Afield legislation, an initiative of NSSF, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, to break down barriers preventing young people from hunting with their families and other supervisory adults.
Note from Eric - Hopefully Vermont's Apprentice hunting bill (H243) will move this winter. Currently it is in Ways and Means after passing out of Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources last session.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Arizona's Efforts to Grow Hunting and Shooting
From NSSF:
Note from Eric - Vermont has a pending bill to allow new hunters to "try" hunting under the immediate supervision of a mentor similar to what is allowing AZ to match seniors with new hunters.
December 7, 2009
NSSF Supports Arizona's Efforts
to Grow Hunting and Shooting;
Awards $82,500 in Grants
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- With the assistance of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Arizona Fish & Game Department is working to secure the future of hunting by tapping the enthusiasm of youth and seniors.
The department announced new programs at a press conference today, with two initiatives made possible by grants provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation totaling $82,500.
These are the first grants Arizona Fish & Game has received through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership Program, which has provided nearly $3.4 million in assistance to wildlife agencies over the past seven years to create hunting and recreational shooting opportunities.
"NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership grants are awarded based on the potential for developing new hunters and shooters and reactivating inactive sportsmen and women," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. "Arizona's new programs show real promise for success, and NSSF is proud to support them."
A Senior Hunts program seeks to motivate sportsmen who have reduced their time spent afield or stopped hunting altogether to use their years of experience to pass on knowledge and skills to a new generation of hunters. Seniors can serve as mentors in the field and in the classroom to give newcomers and novices expertise that would take years to develop on their own.
A second mentoring program encourages sportsmen's organizations to develop small game camps to help get youth hunters started hunting and to utilize the state's new apprentice hunting license program that allows a youth to hunt with a licensed mentor before taking a hunter education course.
"We have utilized the latest research on participation in developing these introductory hunting programs," said Larry Voyles, director of Arizona Fish & Game. "We thank NSSF for its generous support and for funding the Hunting Heritage Partnership. This is a great example of how state agencies and industry can work together to preserve hunting."
Apprentice hunting license programs, pioneered by the Families Afield program jointly supported by NSSF, the U.S. Sportsman's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation, have resulted in more than 300,000 new youth hunters over the last several years.
Apprentice hunting licenses are new to Arizona as of this year.
Arizona was one of nine state wildlife agencies to receive nearly $500,000 in grants through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership in 2009. Since the inception of the Hunting Heritage Partnership, 37 states have received funding.
Note from Eric - Vermont has a pending bill to allow new hunters to "try" hunting under the immediate supervision of a mentor similar to what is allowing AZ to match seniors with new hunters.
December 7, 2009
NSSF Supports Arizona's Efforts
to Grow Hunting and Shooting;
Awards $82,500 in Grants
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- With the assistance of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Arizona Fish & Game Department is working to secure the future of hunting by tapping the enthusiasm of youth and seniors.
The department announced new programs at a press conference today, with two initiatives made possible by grants provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation totaling $82,500.
These are the first grants Arizona Fish & Game has received through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership Program, which has provided nearly $3.4 million in assistance to wildlife agencies over the past seven years to create hunting and recreational shooting opportunities.
"NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership grants are awarded based on the potential for developing new hunters and shooters and reactivating inactive sportsmen and women," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. "Arizona's new programs show real promise for success, and NSSF is proud to support them."
A Senior Hunts program seeks to motivate sportsmen who have reduced their time spent afield or stopped hunting altogether to use their years of experience to pass on knowledge and skills to a new generation of hunters. Seniors can serve as mentors in the field and in the classroom to give newcomers and novices expertise that would take years to develop on their own.
A second mentoring program encourages sportsmen's organizations to develop small game camps to help get youth hunters started hunting and to utilize the state's new apprentice hunting license program that allows a youth to hunt with a licensed mentor before taking a hunter education course.
"We have utilized the latest research on participation in developing these introductory hunting programs," said Larry Voyles, director of Arizona Fish & Game. "We thank NSSF for its generous support and for funding the Hunting Heritage Partnership. This is a great example of how state agencies and industry can work together to preserve hunting."
Apprentice hunting license programs, pioneered by the Families Afield program jointly supported by NSSF, the U.S. Sportsman's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation, have resulted in more than 300,000 new youth hunters over the last several years.
Apprentice hunting licenses are new to Arizona as of this year.
Arizona was one of nine state wildlife agencies to receive nearly $500,000 in grants through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership in 2009. Since the inception of the Hunting Heritage Partnership, 37 states have received funding.
Monday, June 15, 2009
WI Apprentice Hunting Bill moving ahead - Where is Vermont's?
Families Afield Campaign Picks Up Steam
|
WISCONSIN APPRENTICE BILL CLEARS SENATE . . . The Families Afield initiative is gaining ground in 2009. On the heels of a new law enacted in Nevada, Wisconsin is moving forward with an apprentice bill that would allow 10-year-old novice hunters the ability to get in the field with an experienced mentor. The bill, SB 167, cleared the Senate last week by a 27-6 vote and will now head to the Wisconsin Assembly. The Families Afield campaign was established by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation. Since its inception in 2004, 28 states have passed Families Afield-style legislation aimed at making it easier for people to get into the field and try hunting. "It's very encouraging to see so many states embracing the Families Afield concept," said Melissa Schilling, NSSF manager of recruitment and retention. "What's even more encouraging is seeing so many new hunters of all ages taking advantage of these new and welcoming opportunities to give hunting a try." Read more about the Wisconsin bill at ussportsmen.org.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Montpelier Happenings
There are some important issues on the table in Montpelier.
Fish and Wildlife Dept funding - all departments are being hit, but the FWD general fund money is being whacked especially hard.
The Fish and Wildlife board will be announcing public hearings for a proposed rule on retrieval and utilization of fish and wildlife. Most of the provisions have been endorsed by the major sporting groups including the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, but several sections are still to be decided - the voice of hunters is needed.
Lastly, a bill to allow folks of all ages to try hunting in a very controlled manner prior to getting a hunting license is about to be introduced. This is one of the "Families Afield" initiatives that are being adopted nationally to help reverse the decline in hunter numbers. All hunters should look at this and support the concept.
Stay tuned...
Fish and Wildlife Dept funding - all departments are being hit, but the FWD general fund money is being whacked especially hard.
The Fish and Wildlife board will be announcing public hearings for a proposed rule on retrieval and utilization of fish and wildlife. Most of the provisions have been endorsed by the major sporting groups including the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, but several sections are still to be decided - the voice of hunters is needed.
Lastly, a bill to allow folks of all ages to try hunting in a very controlled manner prior to getting a hunting license is about to be introduced. This is one of the "Families Afield" initiatives that are being adopted nationally to help reverse the decline in hunter numbers. All hunters should look at this and support the concept.
Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
