Assembly moves to lower hunting age

Updated: Thursday, 18 Jun 2009, 3:37 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 18 Jun 2009, 3:37 PM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Children as young as 10 would be allowed to go hunting with an adult mentor under a bill approved by Wisconsin lawmakers.

Supporters say the measure is critical to preserving the state's hunting culture and open up the sport to more people.

The Assembly on Thursday used a voice vote to approve the bill, which passed the Senate last week. A spokesman for Gov. Jim Doyle says he supports it.

The Department of Natural Resources estimates that 9,200 more people would get hunting licenses every year under the change.

Anyone who is at least 10 would be allowed to hunt with a mentor as long as they have only one firearm or crossbow between them and stay within one another's arm's reach.

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