House Bill 1263, introduced by State Representative Mike Buckingham (R-33), would help preserve South Dakota’s proud hunting heritage by granting the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks rulemaking authority to establish a youth mentored hunting program for children between ages 10 and 16. The current minimum hunting age in South Dakota is 12. While licensed youth hunters would still need to take a HuntSafe course, HB 1263 would establish a “try before you buy” program allowing younger kids to experience their first hunts without a license under the direct supervision of a licensed adult.
This bill is part of the Families Afield Initiative, a cooperative effort between NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The bill will be voted on by the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, February 12. Please contact the members of the Committee today and respectfully urge them to support HB1263.
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
State Representative Thomas Brunner (R-29), Chair
605-773-3851
State Representative Thomas Deadrick (R-21), Vice-Chair
605-773-3851
State Representative Mark DeVries (R-27)
605-773-3851
State Representative David Gassman (D-8)
605-224-5951
State Representative Clayton Halverson (D-1)
605-773-3851
State Representative Dale Hargens (D-22)
605-870-1459
State Representative Gordon Howie (R-30)
605-773-3851
State Representative Gary Jerke (R-19)
605-773-3851
State Representative Paul Nelson (R-6)
605-773-3851
State Representative Carol Pitts (R-7)
605-773-3851
State Representative David Sigdestad (D-1)
605-224-4140
State Representative Kim Vanneman (R-26B)
605-773-3851
State Representative Mike Vehle (R-20)
605-224-6877
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