Why is ODFW implementing a new Youth Hunter Mentor Program?
The tradition of hunting is on the decline in Oregon and nationwide. While Oregon’s population has grown, real numbers of hunters have declined. In 1980, there were 392,000 resident license holders in Oregon. By 2005, that number had declined to 260,000 licensed hunters. Research demonstrates that early exposure is critical to people taking up hunting or other forms of outdoor recreation. But children and their families are busy today and have many more recreational choices. The current requirement for hunters under the age of 18 to take a hunter education class is a significant time commitment that some may perceive to be a barrier to hunting. The new Mentored Youth Hunt program is an effort to get youngsters interested in the sport at a young age. The program is a “try before you buy” approach that allows youth ages 9 through 13 to hunt without first passing a hunter education program. Youth that participate in this new program will still be required to take a hunter education course
