ORIGINAL: bowhunter2117
Do I blame the PGC yes when an agency enacts a program that is so flawed and poorly thought out that it invites abuse who else should the blame fall on. What’s wrong with requiring a youth hunter to purchase a license? And what’s wrong with a minimum age of 10. I have never seen an 8 year old mature enough to comprehend what death. And lets be honest the end result of a poor shot is death. who here at the age of 8 could shoot I gun off hand in a heightened state of excitement let alone be able to handle a shot gun or rifle safely or proficiently. Face it the law is flawed and needs changed
Take a deep breath bowhunter. First of all the mentored youth program is an excellent way to get a kid in to hunting before he/she gets distracted by all the things good and bad available tothem today. Are there abusers of the program, absolutely, but it should not effect the majority who follow the program and the law. Down South and in other states where it is up to the parent to decide when their child is ready to hunt,6,7 & 8 year old kids have been hunting for years.There is added responsibilityto parents togettheir kidplenty of practice and familiar with the gun they will be using. And also take themto a setupwhere a steady rest and plenty of coaching can go on. I think the mentored youth program is an excellent program and should continue. But I also think the PGC and all of us need to catch, turn in and report anyone you know who abuses the program.