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Hunters out in full force for rifle season

You may have noticed lots of blaze orange being touted around last weekend as the 2017 general hunting season kicked off. Although wildlife biologist Bruce Sterling of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) was unavailable to comment on specific kill counts, it appears that general hunting as well as the youth hunt, which began last Thursday, is off to a pretty good start.

As every Montanan knows, hunting is serious business around these parts. It is what makes Mont., well, Mont. It defines us, and investing in youth is extremely important in preserving this heritage.

That is why two years ago MFWP adopted a youth hunting apprenticeship program allowing youth to hunt with a mentor without having to take the required hunter safety course. The apprentice must be 10 years of age or older, have a current license for species being hunted stating that the hunter is an apprentice and obtain the apprentice license no more than two years prior to completion of hunter safety education.

Youth ages 12-15 who have completed hunter safety education courses may hunt with someone who is at least 18 years of age without enrolling in the apprentice program. Youth hunter safety classes are given twice a year throughout various locations in Sanders County.

The apprentice program prohibits an archery licensure without first completing bow hunter education endorsement and reaching 12 years of age prior to Jan. 16 of the license year. The program does not allow for a resident hound training license for chasing mountain lion, participation in licensure or permit drawing with limited quota, obtaining bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion or wolf licenses, or elk license if under 15 years of age.

Certain criteria are required for the mentor assisting youth as well. These criteria include being a minimum of 21 years in age, unless related to apprentice by blood, adoption or marriage; being a legal guardian of the apprentice or designated by the apprentices legal guardian, have successfully completed hunter education course before Jan. 1, 1985, hold a current hunting license in Mont., complete an Apprentice Hunter Mentor form, agree to supervise the apprentice at all times while remaining within sight and within voice contact when in the field, testify apprentice is capable of safely and ethically partake in hunting activity, and accompany only one apprentice at a time.

Any MFWP office can assist in application of the apprentice program. There is a $5 fee to register for this program. Visit MFWP online at fwp.mt.gov for more information.

 

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