Legislation to create hunting program

The program is aimed at exposing youths to hunting.
HARRISBURG -- Pa. state Sen. Bob Robbins of Greenville, R-50th, has introduced legislation that would create a new hunting program for youths.
Senate Bill 988 would provide the Pennsylvania Game Commission with the authority to establish a "Mentored Youth Hunting Program." The program would provide youths who would otherwise not have the chance to hunt the opportunity to be partnered with a licensed adult hunter.
The hunt would consist of one adult, one youth and one hunting device. The youth hunter would be within arm's length of the mentor at all times. Hunting would be limited to deer, turkey, and smaller game such as groundhogs and squirrel.
Details of the program will be developed by the state Game Commission.
"I introduced this legislation because Pennsylvania continues to have difficulty in replacing retired hunters," said Sen. Robbins. "In fact, for every 100 hunters that retire in Pennsylvania, only 62 new hunters take their place. Ultimately, this program would provide a one-on-one, hands-on experience for youngsters ready and willing to learn about the sport of hunting."
Groups involved
As part of the "Mentored Youth Hunting Committee," the following organizations are working in support of this concept: U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Pa. Federation of Sportsmen's Club, the Quality Deer Management Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, United Bowhunters, Central Counties Concerned Sportsmen, Pa. Game Commission, National Rifle Association, Outdoor Writers Association of America, Pa. Outdoor Writers Association, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Pass It On Program.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, which was scheduled to consider this program Tuesday.