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States Aim for Young Hunters

W. Virgina passes law OKing hunting classes in school, others may follow

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 8, 2008 8:40 AM CST

(Newser) – West Virginia is trying to reverse a decline in hunting by bringing it into the classroom, the New York Times reports. The state, which has seen a 20% drop in hunting permits in the last decade, has passed a bill allowing hunting education in schools where enough students express interest. “For us, guns and hunting was a way of life,” said a gun shop owner. “A lot of places seem to be losing that, and we need to bring it back.”

Six other states are considering similar laws; 17 states have created apprentice licenses to try to lure youngsters away from electronic games and into the great outdoors. Not everyone is concerned about hunting's decline: a Humane Society spokesman notes that the number of people watching wildlife rather than shooting it is on the rise.

States are trying to get more young people interested in hunting. They are concerned about losing tradition, about losing revenue from hunting permits, and about rising deer numbers leading to vehicular accidents.
States are trying to get more young people interested in hunting. They are concerned about losing tradition, about losing revenue from hunting permits, and about rising deer numbers leading to vehicular...   ((c) snappybex)
The number of hunters in the US has been dropping for decades and states are trying to find ways to attract people to the sport. West Virginia has passed a law allowing hunting classes to be taught in schools.
The number of hunters in the US has been dropping for decades and states are trying to find ways to attract people to the sport. West Virginia has passed a law allowing hunting classes to be taught in...   (Shutter Stock)
Hunter Frank Moran is seen with a deer he killed while hunting in eastern Montana. States are concerned that young people aren't taking to hunting in the same numbers their elders did and are trying to attract them to the sport.   (AP Photo/Frank Moran, Terry Hankenon)
Hunter Frank Moran is seen with a deer he killed while hunting in eastern Montana. States are concerned that young people aren't taking to hunting in the same numbers their elders did and are trying to...   (Associated Press)
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