(Lansing) – Michigan senators have approved two bills that will help reverse the state’s declining hunter population. The bills are part of the Families Afield campaign, established by a partnership of sportsmen’s organizations to aid in the recruitment of new hunters.

On May 16, House Bill 5192, to lower age requirements for young hunters, was approved 4-1 by the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hummel, R-DeWitt, will reduce the age requirements for small game hunters from 12 to 10 years old, and big game hunters from 14 to 12 years old.  It passed the House on March 21 by a vote of 86 to 17.

Another bill, SB 1105, will establish an apprentice license to allow new hunters to experience the sport under restricted circumstances before completing the state hunter education course. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Leelanau, was also approved 4-1 by the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee.

The full Senate is expected to take up the measures very soon.

Michigan’s hunting age barriers are among the most restrictive in the nation, second only to New York. 

Studies have shown that supervised youth are the safest class of hunters.  Those who are permitted to try hunting at an earlier age are far more likely to continue their involvement in the sport, according to The Youth Hunting Report, research conducted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, The National Wild Turkey Federation and National Shooting Sports Foundation.    

Mentored youth hunting is a key element of the Families Afield program, being promoted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation and National Shooting Sports Foundation.

“While hunting is a remarkably safe sport, accidents are rarer in states where parents decide at what age kids are allowed to hunt,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

Doug Painter, CEO of the NSSF believes Michigan’s efforts are on the right track.

“The facts clearly show that we should permit parents to decide when their children begin to hunt,” said Painter. “We are encouraged that Michigan is taking the first steps toward providing increased opportunities for parents to introduce their sons and daughters to hunting."

Rob Keck, CEO of NWTF added, “We appreciate Senator McManus and Representative Hummel’s willingness to tackle this issue. We look forward to working with them to completely eliminate the barriers that are hurting our ability to pass on our hunting heritage to the next generation.”      

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs.  For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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