Thursday, March 13, 2008
Let's make good use of the new apprentice hunting license
Bill Cochran
Recent columns
The best gift outdoor sportsmen received from the 2008 Virginia General Assembly is an apprentice hunting license that is designed to make it less cumbersome for newcomers to try hunting. Here are answers to questions on the new license:
Q. How does the apprentice license make it easier for a newcomer to give hunting a try?
A. One thing believed to be keeping some people from trying hunting is the 10-hour hunter-safety course required of new license buyers in Virginia. The apprentice license will allow the entry-level participant to temporarily waive that requirement while giving hunting a “test drive.”
Q. Won’t it be unsafe to have a bunch of newcomers running through the woods who’ve never had hunter safety training?
A. Research shows that has not been a problem in states where an apprentice license has been tried; what’s more, tough safety features have been built into Virginia’s new license. The apprentice hunter must be accompanied and directly supervised by a hunter possessing a valid Virginia hunting license who is over age 18.
Q. What does “directly supervised” mean?
A. The new legislation defines it this way: “When a person over 18 maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter.”
Q. Is the license for young people only?
A. No. It is available to any age.
Q. Can the license be purchased for the upcoming spring gobbler season?
A. The effective date is July 1, 2008, so it won’t make the 2008 spring gobbler season; however, it will be available well ahead of the fall hunting seasons.
Q. Where can you buy an apprentice license?
A. Anywhere that you can buy a regular hunting license. That includes online at dgif.virginia.gov, by phone, 1 866-721-6911 or at any of the more than 500 license agents across the state, including Wal-Mart stores.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. For residents, it is $10; nonresidents $20.
Q. Is that a discount from a regular license?
A. Yes, the cost of a basic license for residents is $18 and for nonresidents is $86, so this is particularly a good deal for nonresidents. In addition, the apprentice license is valid for two years, while the basic hunting license is valid for one year.
Q. Must the apprentice license holder buy any other type licenses?
A. The apprentice license covers small game, such as squirrels and rabbits. If the apprentice license holder wants to hunt deer, turkey or bear then a big game license must be added, which costs $18 for residents and $66 for nonresidents. Participation in the special muzzleloading, bow or crossbow seasons also require additional licenses. They cost $18 each for residents and $31 for nonresidents.
Q. What if someone hunted several years ago, then gave it up but wants to get back into it? Can that person buy am apprentice license?
A. People who previously have owned a hunting license are not eligible to purchase the apprentice license.
Q. Can the apprentice license be renewed?
A. It expires two years from the date of purchase and can not be renewed. After that it is hoped that the apprentice license holder will complete a hunter education course and join the ranks of established hunters by purchasing a regular hunting license.
Q. Do you really think this new program is going to attract additional people to hunting?
A. Only if established hunters take advantage of it to pass along the hunting heritage to their children, grandchildren, wives, friends, relatives and neighbors. This is vital to the future of hunting and to the wellbeing of wildlife since hunters finance much of the nation’s wildlife programs.
Q. Do other states have similar programs?
A. All across the nation there is the feeling that in too many cases we have made it more difficult than necessary for people to take up hunting and thus fewer people are joining the tradition. Virginia is one of about two dozen states that have address this issue. The concept was passed by Virginia legislators without a single negative vote and quickly was signed into law by the governor.
