Legislation lowering the hunting age in Wisconsin is on its way to the governor.
Under bill approved by the Assembly Thursday on a voice vote, the minimum age for hunting would be lowered to 10-years-old. State Representative Scott Gunderson says the measure is designed to help protect a part of Wisconsin's heritage by including young people in an activity that so many people believe in dearly.
The measure allows youth to go hunting with an adult mentor, who must be at least 18 and already have a hunting license. They could only have one gun or crossbow between them and must stay near each other at all times. Gunderson says a lot of thought has been put into making the sure the program is as safe as possible.
The bill is designed to encourage more young people to take an interest in hunting. Many outdoors groups believe the sport is on the decline, because the tradition is not being passed on.
The Senate has already approved the bill. It now heads to Governor Doyle, who has not said if he'll sign the measure.
