Please ask your state legislator to support a bill being introduced next week by State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33) to reduce the minimum hunting age in South Dakota.
The proposal would lower the age for big game to 10, and remove the restriction on small game. States with restrictive hunt ages have the lowest hunter retention numbers in the country. Thirty states do not have a minimum age requirement, and those states have the highest youth hunting rates while enjoying safety records that are equal to, or better than, states with the restrictive ages.
Please contact your State Senator and State Representative at (605) 773-3851 and let them know you support empowering parents to make these decisions.
This valued American heritage needs a new generation of hunters, and this bill ensures South Dakota youth will continue to become involved.