House Bill 206, introduced by Representative Dennis Reed (R- Merrimack), would allow new hunters the opportunity to experience the sport for one year while accompanied by a licensed apprentice hunter who is 18 years of age or older. This legislation is part of the Families Afield program designed to reduce barriers for first time hunters from coast to coast.
The bill has passed out of the House Committee on Fish and Game and Marine Resources and could be voted on by the full House as early as Tuesday, March 15th. Sportsmen are encouraged to call their representatives and ask them to support HB 206.
“Families Afield legislation has a proven track record of recruiting new hunters by allowing youth and adults to try hunting under the guidance of an experienced mentor,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services.
The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation in 2004 in order to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Recently, the National Rifle Association and the National Assembly of Sportsmen Caucuses have joined Families Afield with the common goal of reducing barriers to hunting.
To date, 30 states have enacted Families Afield legislation with more than 418,000 apprentice licenses being sold across the country to introduce new hunters to our outdoor heritage.
Take Action! New Hampshire sportsmen should contact their state representatives and ask them to support House Bill 206. Tell them that the apprentice hunting license has been proven as a safe and effective hunter recruitment tool across the country. To find your state representative’s contact information, please visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.sportsmensalliance.org/LAC.
For more information, contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email [email protected]