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Bill would create trapping apprentice certificate and fold trapping into apprentice hunting program
Summary
House Bill 96 would add a trapping apprentice certificate to Montana’s existing apprentice hunting certificate program, allow apprentices aged 10 and older to try hunting or trapping under qualified mentors for up to two years, and set mentor and education conditions. The Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and conservation groups urged the committee to pass the bill.
Representative Fielder introduced House Bill 96, saying the bill "creates a trapping apprentice certificate program" and revises the existing apprentice hunting certificate to include trapping, with mentor eligibility standards and a two-year apprentice limit. He told the committee the measure was requested by the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and passed the House Fish and Wildlife Committee 20–0.
Quentin Kujala, chief of conservation policy for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, testified for the director and said the existing hunter apprentice program "has been successful," recommending that HB 96 "do pass." Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society also supported the measure, saying it lets people try trapping before investing in equipment. Matt Leo of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers described mentoring his son under the hunter apprentice program and called the experience "very meaningful." Frank Slossey, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation (appearing online), also voiced support.
The sponsor explained program details: certificates would be available to people 10 years or older; they would be valid for no more than two years, after which the apprentice must complete hunter or trapper education and purchase licenses to continue independently. Apprentices must be accompanied by a mentor who holds the relevant hunting or trapping license and the applicable education certification; mentors must be at least 21 years old. The sponsor characterized the program as a "trial run" for people considering hunting or trapping.
Committee members asked several implementation questions, including whether an apprentice program carries a fee. Kujala and the sponsor explained apprentices could operate under certain trapper license classes and referenced a reduced-price youth trapper option for limited species; a $5 fee for that youth option was stated during the hearing. Senator Vance asked whether the apprentice authorization is limited to the traditional youth opening days; the sponsor confirmed apprentices may use their apprentice license throughout the full hunting and trapping seasons while supervised by a mentor.
Representative Fielder closed by reiterating the age minimum and urging the committee to pass the bill. The committee concluded the hearing on HB 96 with proponents from the agency and conservation organizations recommending approval.
