The apprentice hunting license is an idea in which hunters may hunt prior to having passed a hunter education course. The idea of "try before you buy" is the driving force behind this new recruitment tool. These laws provide novice hunters, who have yet to pass the education course, the chance to purchase an apprentice hunting license and hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter. The apprentice hunter receives hands-on experience and additional incentive to complete hunter education.

History

The issue was introduced to NASC at the 2005 NASC Annual Meeting and issued as a NASC issue brief during the 2006 legislative session.  Sportsmen's Caucuses in Oklahoma, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington created apprentice licenses during the 2007 legislative session.  Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee sportsmen's caucuses have created similar programs.

Points of Interest

• Laws such as minimum age requirements and coursework mandates can be relaxed without compromising safety.
• The time period for which the apprentice licenses are valid is different from state to state, as is the minimum age requirement.

Action

NASC works with individual state caucuses to develop language if they select this issue to put before their own legislatures.