National Groups Team Up for Youth
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) are making hunting more accessible to young people across the country with a new campaign called "Start 'Em Young."
While the majority of states permit youth hunting, 23 states restrict the age at which a person can hunt big game, a classification that often includes the wild turkey. The Start 'Em Young campaign plans to work with leaders in these states to lift limits on youth hunting opportunities.
"Introducing our children to hunting is important for several reasons," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "First, hunting allows families to spend time outdoors and share quality time together. Second, research shows that those who start hunting early in life are more likely to hunt as adults. We need those future hunters to shoulder the costs and responsibilities of conserving the country's wildlife and wildlife habitat after we're gone."
According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, youth participation in hunting declined by 26 percent between 1990 and 2000. While the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation reported that youth hunting participation has stabilized, only 25 percent of children from hunting households actively participate in hunting today.
Among the 23 states that restrict the age a person can hunt, 16 require kids to be at least 12 years old before they can hunt big game. New York, which is the most restrictive, prevents children under 16 years of age from hunting big game with a firearm.
"By the time kids are in the fifth grade, or even before, they're already being pulled away by the allure of video games, organized sports or other activities," said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance president. "We want young people to have the choice to participate in hunting, because the tradition allows for an appreciation of this country's woodlands and wildlife. Hunting teaches our kids responsibility, accountability and respect for life."
Concerns about the safety record of young hunters may be unfounded, according to officials. The Hunter Incident Clearinghouse database shows that in 2002, junior hunters age 11 and younger accounted for only 28 incidents, 3 percent of the 849 total incidents occurring that year.
"Adult supervision is a critical part of hunter safety and an important component of the Start 'Em Young program," said Doug Painter, NSSF president. "This program will pave the way for hunters to serve as mentors, giving young people a greater chance to spend time outside and enjoy the tradition of hunting."