On Tuesday, June 4, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed legislation that will significantly increase hunter recruitment and retention in the state of North Carolina.
S.B. 234 effectively establishes a Hunting Apprentice Permit that enables youth or beginners to experience hunting without completing the hunter education course if accompanied by an adult licensed hunter.
The Hunting Education and Hunting Apprentice Permit legislation was championed by North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs in each respective chamber. Co-Chair Senator Buck Newton was the primary sponsor of S.B. 234 and Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tim Moffitt and Michael Wray were two of the primary sponsors of H.B. 296. The Senate bill passed on April 10, with the House passing the identical bill on May 29, before being signed by the Governor on June 4.
For more information on Apprentice Hunting Licenses please click here.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
