Kids First Hunter Safety Course and Hunt

August 20, 2009

Question: At what age can kids first take the hunter safety course, go on their first hunt, and then what can they hunt for? (Bill A.)

Answer: Since the Department of Fish and Game is a state agency, it can not discriminate by age. According to Captain Roy Griffith of our Hunter Education Program, it is up to the discretion of the parent or guardian to decide when their child has the maturity and upper body strength to safely manipulate a firearm. A junior hunter needs to attend a Hunter Education class and take a written test. Once juniors have passed the test, they can obtain a hunting license and may hunt any legal species (except big game, if they are under the age of 12 Once they have turned 12 years old, they may then apply for big game tags and hunt big game with their Junior Hunting License and appropriate big game tag).

The state can't discriminate by age?

lol

Good question/answer. My boy took the class at age 8. Definitely a challenge for him. he took the test 2x and finally passed. I think it is really when the kid can understand and retain the material. And no, the State should not tell us when that is...LOL

Good question/answer. My boy took the class at age 8. Definitely a challenge for him. he took the test 2x and finally passed. I think it is really when the kid can understand and retain the material. And no, the State should not tell us when that is...LOL

Oh I don't disagree with you, just the statement that a state agency can't discriminate based upon a young age is ludicrous on its face. Alcohol purchases, ammunition sales, firearms purchases, consent to medical care, drivers licenses, etc etc etc.

Totally agree!!! And crazy!