I do have another idea that might sit well (or at least better) with both sides on this issue. For the kids under 12 that currently need no license under the mentored program, issue them a license for free. That way they can be counted and their harvest reported. When anyone under the age of 18 gets their first license, they get one or two special youth buck tags good any in year up till a senior license is required, that allow any buck with 3" of antler. That tag then must be used WITH the regular tag to make that smaller buck legal. Once the kid has one or two under his belt using those special tags, he's now huntingunder the adult rules. What it would do, is let each youth hunter take a couple of easier bucks before having to play by the big boy rules.

Just an idea... could it work?