Hunting Will Get Slightly Easier for Youth Involved in the Game Commission's Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

Youth hunting bill going to governor

GREG GROSS - The York Dispatch

Under a bill heading to Gov. Tom Corbett's desk, a youth hunter will be allowed to harvest one antlerless deer with the appropriate permit.

The legislation would also reduce the age requirement for an individual to receive a falconry permit, which permits holders to have birds of prey, from 16 to 12 years of age.

"Pennsylvania has a rich hunting tradition, and this legislation will make it easier for experienced sportsmen to pass down their knowledge to the next generation of hunters," said state Sen. Richard Alloway II, R-Franklin County.

Alloway sponsored the bill.

The program: The Pennsylvania Game Commission launched the youth hunting program in 2006. Its aim is to safety create expanded youth hunting opportunities.

The program exempts young hunters from certain license requirements by allowing a licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit to give the permit to a young hunter participating in the program.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe praised the expansion of the 
program. "This new opportunity will expand an already popular program," he said.

Youth participating in the program must obtain a permit through the 
Game Commission's Pennsylvania Automated License System, which costs 
$2.70.

Legal species approved for the program are squirrels, groundhogs, coyote, 
antlered deer and spring gobbler.

Regulations require that a mentor be paired with a mentored youth. The pair can 
possess one firearm when hunting, and it must be carried by the mentor while moving. 
At a stationary location the youth can take possession of the gun.

"The program will ensure that young hunters have additional opportunities to learn 
how to be safe, responsible and successful in the field," Alloway said.