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Senate OKs trial hunting permits to let novices try hunting with mentors
Summary
The Senate passed SB165 to create a trial hunting license allowing applicants 12 and older to hunt with a licensed mentor before taking formal hunter-education, backed by wildlife and sporting groups as a safety and recruitment tool.
The Utah Senate approved Senate Bill 165 to allow trial hunting licenses for individuals 12 years and older who want to try hunting under the supervision of a licensed mentor before completing hunter‑education.
Senator Okerlund, sponsor of the bill, told the chamber the Division of Wildlife Resources and hunting organizations support apprentice mentoring programs in 35 other states and that apprentice participants have lower accident rates than regular license holders. “These programs allow individuals who have never hunted before to try hunting with an experienced licensed mentor,” Okerlund said.
Lawmakers asked about age limits and public‑safety implications. Senator Madsen queried a restriction tied to birth year in the draft and Okerlund explained the date-based eligibility language. Senator Hilliard said he was “mixed” on the bill because of concerns about giving young people firearm responsibility too early, while others, including Senator Christiansen and Senator Dayton, expressed strong support for youth engagement and conservation benefits.
Sponsors said the change does not alter the minimum age to hunt but enables trial participation under supervision; the bill passed on a roll call with 26 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absences, and was read for a third time.
Lawmakers said they hope the program will boost participation in hunting and contribute to conservation funding generated by tags and fees.
