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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Peter J. Daley
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Daley’s mentored hunting legislation passes House
HARRISBURG, April 22 – The state House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure today introduced by state Rep. Peter J. Daley D-Washington/Fayette, that would permit the transfer of an antlerless tag from a licensed doe hunter to a young participant in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.
Approved by the legislature in 2006, the Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows a licensed hunter to serve as a one-on-one teacher to a young, unlicensed, future hunter, introducing young boys and girls to hunting, many for the very first time. These mentors show their students around the woods, teaching them about the hunt and how to take certain game animals responsibly. Mentored youth hunting has been a great success in Pennsylvania, Daley said, growing in participation while it lays the foundation for the future of the sport.
"With this expansion of the program, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will enable the young hunter to participate in a deer hunt that will be educational, memorable and have a better chance of being successful," said Daley.
A study completed this year by Responsive Management and commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that when youth are involved in hunting-related activities, they are more likely to become lifelong hunters.
"This bill allows for greater harvest opportunity for our youth hunters and would go a long way toward reversing the trend in lack of hunter participation," said Daley. "This increased opportunity keeps youth interest alive. We lose so many of our young people today to video games and other activities."
A constituent of the 49th Legislative District and avid supporter of the bill, Kathy Davis said, "I can think of no better birthday gift than to be instrumental in offering our mentored youth more opportunities to hunt. House Bill 281 provides that by allowing our board of commissioners the flexibility to allow the transfer of an antlerless tag between an adult mentor and the future sportsmen and women of tomorrow. With the passage of this bill, we ensure the future of our hunting heritage."
In 2008 Kathy Davis was honored as one of Outdoor Life magazine’s 25 Most Influential and Inspiring People in Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Management in the nation. She was also named one of Field and Stream magazine’s 33 Heroes of Conservation.
Daley said the legislation is supported by a wide variety of outdoor organizations, including the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs; the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation; Quality Deer Management; and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
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