On Tuesday, March 17, the Iowa Senate unanimously passed a bill to create an apprentice hunting license for adults. The measure, SF 392, allows a first-time hunter to try hunting under the watchful eye of an experienced mentor, prior to completing a hunter education course. This approach has been adopted across the country through the Families Afield program.
Families Afield is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Along with the support of the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has passed measures in 35 states.
“Apprentice hunting license have proven to be a safe and effective means of introducing new hunters to our ranks,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s vice president of government affairs. “Iowa already allows youth hunters to participate in this manner. This bill simply expands current law so that a new hunter of any age can experience hunting with a mentor.”
A companion measure in the Iowa House of Representatives is also moving forward. HF 577 passed the Committee on Natural Resources last week and is currently pending before the full House of Representatives.
“Sportsmen and women in Iowa should reach out to their state representatives today to express their support for these important bills,” said Heusinkveld. “Our hope is that the House will take up the bill in short order.”
Both SF 392 and HF 577 have found overwhelming support with legislators and within the sportsmen’s community. In addition to the Families Afield coalition, the Iowa Conservation Alliance has also given the measure their support.
The only group to oppose the pro-hunting measure is the Iowa Sierra Club.