Michigan: NRC Names Work Group for Mentored Youth Hunting Program

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Aug. 12, 2011

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has named a six-member ad hoc committee to bring back recommendations to the NRC later this year for specific rules for the new Mentored Youth Hunt program. The program was established under a law signed by Governor Rick Snyder earlier this year.

The six members serving on the committee are:

• Tyler Goode of St. Clair Shores, a youth representing Pheasants Forever
• Jonathon Kneiper of Chesaning, a youth representing the National Wild Turkey Federation
• Emily Caretti of Warren, a youth representing the Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers
• Vic Ouellette of Gaylord, representing hunter education instructors
• Peter Wyckoff of Ann Arbor, representing Ducks Unlimited
• Liz Roxberry of Lansing, representing the Michigan United Conservation Clubs

NRC Commissioner John Matonich of Davison will chair the committee.

The committee is charged with recommending specific rules that may be necessary to participate in mentored youth hunting, developing program evaluation and evaluating the effectiveness of current youth hunting opportunities.

The committee also will develop an informal survey designed to collect public input on its charges and other topics related to youth hunting.

"We wanted to include youth representation on this committee because this entire program is geared toward getting more Michigan youth involved in hunting and fishing," said NRC Chair Tim Nichols. "Their input, experiences and perspectives will be invaluable to this process, and we will be looking to include youth involvement in other natural resources management issues in the future."

The Hunter Heritage legislation opens opportunities for hunters under the age of 10 to participate in Michigan's hunting seasons in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program under development by the NRC. The legislation also created the Mentored Youth Hunting license.

"This program addresses one of my four priorities as DNR director - to stabilize and reverse the decline in participation in outdoor recreation in Michigan," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. "Along with the NRC, I look forward to the work of this committee, especially the perspective of the youth."

The Youth Mentored Hunt program will be ready for the 2012 hunting seasons, with the licenses available for purchase by March 1, 2012, the start of the new license year.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information about the department, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan - New Law Creates Mentored Hunting for Youth for 2012 Season

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July 27, 2011
A new law recently signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder will provide new hunting opportunities for youth under the age of 10 by creating a mentored hunting program for the 2012 hunting season. The program is known as the Hunter Heritage Program.

"This is a great opportunity for Michigan's youth," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. "Our youngsters can start hunting earlier with a safe program, which can have a lifelong impact on their interest in conservation and natural resources. Since becoming Director, I made increasing participation in our hunting heritage one of my top four priorities. This program will help us achieve that goal."

The new law provides hunting opportunities for youths under the age of 10 by allowing them to hunt in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has been charged with developing the program under the law. The law also creates a mentored youth hunting license, which allows mentored youths to participate in a wide variety of hunting opportunities on a single license. Mentored youth hunting license holders will be able to hunt deer, turkey, small game, trap fur-bearers and fish for all species on this license.

In the coming months, the NRC will engage both department staff and external partners in developing the mentored youth hunting program, with the objective of having the program start in the 2012 license year.

Under the new law:

• A parent or legal guardian of the minor child must apply for the license on behalf of the child;
• A mentored youth hunting license will cost $7.50;
• The mentor, who must be at least 21 and possess a valid hunting license, will need to accompany the youth at all times;
• At age 10 the youth will no longer be eligible for a mentored youth hunting license, but will need to either take hunter safety and then purchase a regular license, or hunt under an apprentice license for up to two years.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Frequently Asked Questions
Hunter Heritage Law/Mentored Youth Hunting Program
What does the new law do?
The law allows youths under the age of 10 to hunt with a mentor. Mentored youths will be required to obtain a mentored youth hunting license and hunt in conjunction with the mentored youth hunting program, which is now being developed.
When does the program begin?
In the coming months, the NRC will engage with both department staff and external partners in developing the mentored youth hunting program, with the objective of having this program up and running for the 2012 license year.
How much will a mentored youth hunt license cost?
The cost for a mentored youth license is $7.50. The fee was established in the legislation that created the license.
What hunting privileges are provided under this license?
Resident small game, combination deer, spring and fall turkey, all-species fishing, and resident fur harvesters.
What is the apprentice license?
The apprentice license is for anyone 10 years of age and older who has not received hunter safety certification. An individual may hunt with an apprentice license for two license years. A regular licensed hunter who is 21 years or older must accompany the apprentice license holder into the field.
What license do I purchase once I receive my hunter safety certification?
If you are 10 years of age or older with hunter safety certification, you can purchase regular hunting licenses.