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"Hunting is a way of life
in many parts of Illinois. This new program will give parents and
grandparents a way to introduce their children to the sport and will
give adults who didn't grow up hunting a chance to try it with a
licensed hunter," Blagojevich said. The Illinois Legislative
Sportsmen's Caucus, chaired by Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, and
Sen. Todd Sieben, R-Geneseo, initiated
House Bill 5407. Sponsors of the new law are Sieben and Rep.
Mark Beaubien, R-Wauconda. The Apprentice Hunter License Program
will allow youngsters ages 10 to 17 to buy an apprentice license and
go hunting with a parent, grandparent or guardian who has a valid
Illinois resident hunting license. Those 18 and older will be able
to buy an apprentice license and go hunting with any family member
or friend who is a validly licensed Illinois resident hunter.
"This program is an incentive to encourage young people to try
the experience of hunting as a sport," Reitz said. "It is our hope
that this will provide an opportunity for parents, grandparents or
friends to introduce youth to this exciting sport and continue the
rich tradition of hunting in Illinois."
"Hunting is an outdoor activity that is already enjoyed by many
Illinois families. However, I think it is a tradition that needs
support and encouragement," said Sieben. "It's my hope that this law
will establish a responsible outlook on hunting in this state, while
fostering the growth of the sport in Illinois."
Hunter participation surveys have indicated most new hunters,
especially young hunters, begin hunting with encouragement from a
parent, other family member or a friend.
The Apprentice Hunter License will be a one-time, nonrenewable
license. It will be available only to residents of Illinois,
beginning this fall, from the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources for $7 each. The apprentice license will be valid from the
date issued until the following March 31. Apprentice Hunter License
holders will also have to buy any additional required permits or
stamps, such as a deer hunting permit or habitat stamp.
"As an avid hunter and sportsman all my life, I'm excited that
the state has a chance to advance a program that will open up
hunting to a new generation of Illinoisans who may not otherwise
have had a chance to experience the sport," said Rep. Brandon
Phelps, D-Harrisburg.
"This bill supports the sporting traditions that have been passed
on from generation to generation," said Sen. Arthur Wilhelmi,
D-Crest Hill, a co-sponsor of the legislation. "By creating the
apprenticeship program, we provide the best forum for young hunters
to learn about gun safety -- through family and friends."
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"Raising our youngsters to be responsible hunters and responsible
gun owners is important. When we teach responsibility at a young
age, it sticks with our children, and they demonstrate that
responsibility in every aspect of their lives. This bill not only
teaches responsibility, but also helps our outdoor way of life
continue in southern Illinois," said Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton.
"This program will allow parents, grandparents and guardians to
enjoy the tradition and sport of hunting with their young family
members and pass on the skills and safety precautions necessary for
them to enjoy hunting throughout life," said Sen. Deanna Demuzio,
D-Carlinville.
"Not only does this law open the door to new hunters, but it
ensures that they spend time learning the sport while accompanied by
a dependable sportsman before they go on to apply for their full
license," explained Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Pontiac. "Obviously, the
more time young hunters spend with an experienced adult, the safer
this pastime becomes for everyone."
Safe hunting remains a priority in Illinois as the Department of
Natural Resources offers free hunter safety education courses
throughout the state. [Class
listings]
Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980,
must successfully complete a free hunter safety course before a
regular Illinois hunting license is issued. The courses, coordinated
by the Department of Natural Resources and taught by volunteer
safety experts, include instruction on hunting regulations, archery,
firearms, ammunition, first aid, wildlife identification and
conservation, and hunter ethics and responsibility. A minimum of 10
hours of instruction is involved. [More
information]
Those completing the course and exam receive a certificate of
competency. More than 18,000 hunters completed the course last year.
For the license year ending March 31, 2005, Illinois issued more
than 336,000 hunting licenses.
"The Apprentice Hunter Program will give those who don't hunt a
chance to give it a try as they accompany a family member or friend
in the field," said Sam Flood, acting director of the Department of
Natural Resources. "Hunters of all ages and all levels of experience
need to make safety a priority. We hope the apprentice program,
followed by participation in the hunter safety education course,
will get more new hunters involved in safely enjoying hunting
opportunities in Illinois."
Details on how to obtain an Illinois Apprentice Hunter License
will be announced this fall by the Department of Natural Resources.
For more information on hunting in Illinois, check
http://dnr.state.il.us.
House Bill 5407 is effective immediately.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
