Youth-hunting bill advances to House

A state bill that would create a special youth hunting license for children between 10 and 18 who have not completed Hunter Education passed the Senate on a final vote Tuesday.

Senate Bill 395, sponsored by Sen. Mark Blasdel, R-Kalispell, would require that young hunters be accompanied by a designated mentor and compel them to complete a hunter education course within two years to continue hunting.

The proposed law drew a deluge of personal testimony from senators during Monday’s floor session where it passed 25-24.

Proponents touted the measure as a means to increase interest in hunting among Montana’s youth, while opponents argued that 10-year-olds were too young to forgo the state’s safety-focused Hunter Education program.

On Tuesday’s final vote, the bill’s margin of support widened to 28-22, with two senators switching to “yes” votes and another voting in favor after an excused absense.

The bill now goes to the House.