On Wednesday, April 26, the House Game and Fisheries Committee will consider House Bill 485, legislation expanding Pennsylvania’s mentored hunting programs to include youth ages 12 to 17. HB 485 creates a discounted general hunting license for Hunter Trapper Education (HTE) instructors. HB 485 is amended to fix a loophole in the current mentor hunting program which prohibited the Pennsylvania Game Commission from implementing mentor hunting programs for youth between the ages of 12-17. This technical fix will correct the current problem and reinstate the original legislative intent of Pennsylvania’s mentored hunting program.
Hunting is one of the safest recreational activities enjoyed by families in the United States. Mentored youths have the fewest accidents of all hunters. Currently however, in order for 12 to 17 year-olds to participate in hunting, they must successfully complete the mandatory hunter/trapper safety education course which is a barrier for many. Mentored youth hunting programs encourage young people to try hunting without having to commit to a safety course.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated as this legislation progresses