terrific idea IF it wasdonehonestly..

we are not living in HONEST world.

just like i heard 22 cal rifle shots the first sat of springturkey,oh ,i guess they were hunting COYOTES.


just like 12 ga .shotguns being used by 5 YEAR OLD KIDS.


yes,their are dads who are reallly letting their kids shoot their deer /turkey but dont tell me a 5,6 ,7 ,8 year old kids are out doing this with a WEE-O- 8 or 12 ga .shotgun.

if anyone thinks so, you are living in fantasy world.

There is no doubt here that we all know who lives in that fantasy world

Personally , I don't think it is fair to blame the PGC for the problems you have with youth mentored hunts. The PGC provided the opportunity for responsible hunters to get more of our youth involved and if some unethical hunters abuse the opportunity it is no different than poaching and it something for which the PGC should receive the blame.

I guess I don't understand your thinking....Does that make the State Police at fault for someone doing 65 mph in a 55 mph zone ??

I think you misread my post. I am not blaming the PGC for any perceived problems with the program, I'm blaming unethical hunters.

OK.....Sorry if I misread you. And I certainly agree that there are definitely some unethical slobs out there..........

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

Some people like to blame the PGC for everything that happens in Pa.....


Ever think about blaming others involved in the process?

[align=center]
GOVERNOR RENDELL SIGNS FIRST FAMILIES AFIELD BILL IN THE NATION
Measure Designed to Increase Hunting Ranks[/align][/align]N. VERSAILLES – Governor Edward G. Rendell today made Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to begin a mentored youth hunting program with the ceremonial signing of a bill designed to encourage young people to learn about hunting with their families. House Bill 1690 empowers the Pennsylvania Game Commission to create the program. [/align][/align]“Pennsylvania is well known for its hunting tradition. Not only is it an outdoor activity that brings families together, but it’s an economic asset for our state,” Governor Rendell said. “By signing House Bill 1690, Pennsylvania becomes the first to encourage our youth to try the sport without having to take hunter education. Now, as long as they are with a licensed hunter, youngsters can venture into the woods with just an apprentice hunting license. [/align][/align]“We need this law because for every 100 hunters who retire, only 62 take up the sport. If this trend continues, our ability to manage wildlife will be severely affected and Pennsylvania’s economy will suffer. House Bill 1690 is designed to increase sportsmen’s numbers and keep our hunting tradition alive.”[/align][/align]When regulations are adopted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission pursuant to HB 1690, youth participating in this program will not need to attend hunting classes. This bill also legalizes the use of natural, or manmade, non-living bait – or, any electronic or mechanical device – to attract coyotes for hunting or trapping, as well as the use of any decoy to hunt or trap furbearers. [/align][/align]The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Smith (R-Cumberland/York) passed the House 193-1 and the Senate, with amendments, 50-0. The House concurred 195-1. The bill becomes effective in 60 days[/align][/align][/align]Hmmm ....You know the PGC will always be vilified because they can't please everyone all the time. But we never semm to want to point the finger in the right direction. Educate yourselves before you look too foolish.[/align]

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.

I agree it could be excellent programbut as it standstoday it is loaded with loop holes and ripe for abuse no matter how you slice it.