Michigan children of any age could hunt under new licensing requirements mulled by lawmakers
Children of any age could hunt with a firearm under changes to the state’s hunting license requirements being considered by Michigan lawmakers next week.
Under proposed changes to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the requirement that a child be at least 10 years old in order to hunt deer, turkey and other animals would be dropped.
Currently, children between 10 and 12 can acquire an apprentice license and hunt using a firearm so long as they’re accompanied by a licensed adult.
Senate Bill 207 proposes dropping the age requirement and creating a mentored youth licensing program under which children could hunt with an adult registered with the program. The adult mentor would have to be at least 21 and prove proper licensing and hunting experience.
Senate Bill 207 is sponsored by state Sen. Joe Hune, R-Hamburg Township. State Rep. Peter Pettalia, R-Presque Isle, has introduced House Bill 4371, which has similar provisions.
The Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 207 in March; Tuesday, a House committee will review the legislation.
What do you think about the proposed changes? Take our poll and leave a comment below.
Comments
MikeyP
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.
The amount of ignorance from those decrying this law is startling! This is about giving kids the skills they need to be SAFE with guns! Your arguments are akin to "Hey, cars are dangerous, let's keep kids away from cars and hope they learn the rules of the road and safe driving skills through osmosis then toss them the keys when they turn 16 and say 'go to it!'" Boy Scouts learn how to shoot, have been for over 100 years, it isn't like this is some radical new concept. Yup, kids can learn firearm safety before the age of 10! Shocking! I have a sneaking suspicion a lot of the opposition has NOTHING to do with wanting to prevent kids from harming themselves but everything to do with preventing the hunting heritage (which many despise) from being passed along. Heck, some of the comments here practically admit as much! Just come out and say it, you don't like guns, you don't like hunting and THAT is why you oppose this. Man (or woman) up and admit the truth!
Jeff Haman
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Adults do not need another government program to take kids hunting! They think adults in this state are stupid!
Ricebrnr
Sun, May 1, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
What?!!? Did you even read he article?
jcj
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
What??? I missed your point if there is one.
Jim Pryce
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
The Kids who would be hunting, are more than likely the same ones who have already been to Ohio, Indiana, & our other surrounding states who have the no age limit law already in effect, & supporting those States economic situation. Add up the cost of an out of state license, hotel stay, etc. They probably have been shooting one of the most popular game birds there is- Mourning Doves, which when they cross the border into Michigan somehow become a "songbird". As a Hunter Education instructor I would much rather hunt with a young hunter who has had the proper training & is in arms reach of an adult who most likely gone through the course as well, due to the fact that anyone born after January 1960, needs Hunter Education. We have seen an increase of Ladies who are also participating in the program, with there Sons & Daughters. The only publicity Hunting seems to get are Poaching stories. Those are NOT hunters, They are Poachers. The other old stereotype, that is disappearing is the drunken idiot heading to the woods. This again is due to the Hunter education classes stressing the fact that alcohol, drugs ( both illegal & prescription ) can effect you in negative ways. I would encourage everyone to attend a weekend (16 Hours)Hunter education class, even if you plan to Never hunt, & see what is being taught to the students. They are available all over the state. You can find a listings of classes on the <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr" rel='nofollow'>www.michigan.gov/dnr</a> website under recreational classes.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
The sky is falling! The sky falling! I have no idea what keeps the sky up or how it works but I'm afraid the sky is falling!
tom swift jr.
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
hey, folks, thanks for deleting my comment.. basically I stated that this law will allow for folks to game the system and take deer under a kid's license... and that it didn't seem like a good idea to give a gun to a 5 year old.. why was that deleted..?
Not from around here
Sun, May 1, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
I think it was deleted because no where in the law does it state you can give a five year old a gun. You need to be 18 to purchase a gun. Currently you can give a person of any age gun. My kids grandfather bought them there first rifle at birth. What we are talking about is allowing a parent or guardian the opportunity to attend and pass a mentoring program, get licensed and then have there charge attend hunter's safety with its written and marksmanship training and then go hunting with that licensed mentor. I think my five year old is pretty special but I know he doesn't have the cognitive abilities to pass those tests so even if both of wanted to go hunting together, we couldn't my eight year old could and if the law goes into affect, we'll be first in line. He'll be almost 9 before we can hit the woods together. What you have posted is at best miss-information. You can already draw more deer permits that you could hope to fill. Most of the time I go deer hunting I come home empty handed. Stating that hunters will use this opportunity to cheat the system is insulting. So now that you are better informed, I guess we will be seeing an apology soon.
jcj
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.
Tom do you have any idea how many deer 1 person can take legally, without taking a deer under a kid's license? Let me tell you since you seem less than informed on the subject. I could purchase 5 antlerless licenses a day for the entire season! Hardly any need to use a kids license don't ya think?
J Wortman
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
Not in favor of the change. Wrong Priority for a legislature that has BIG problems to solve for Michigan. We have far more pressing issues in this state that the state senators and representatives need to be focused on solving. If their focus is here it clearly indicates a need for a part time legislature.
MikeyP
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
The entire economy of northern Michigan is basically based on hunting. Ensuring that the hunting heritage that is vital to most of the state's economy (based on land area) continues on is, IMHO, pretty darn important, especially these days.
treetowncartel
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.
Can't take them hunting, but you can take em along for a car ride and share your cigarette smoke with them.
Thomas Jones
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
WELL SAID "XMO" and "Not from around here" you took the word right off my typing fingures! i dont know if Ann Arbor knows it or not but NEWS FLASH this just in you are surrounded by Republicans with guns that like to hunt!!! I bet they don't know that hunter foot the bill for this state too. Right to hunt =$$$$$$$$$$ for MI!!!!!!!!
tdw
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
Also NEWS FLASH hunters carry the cost for the DNR
tdw
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 9 p.m.
So A- what does being a Republican have to do with anything at all ? B- are you saying Democrats don't hunt ? C- Some of the most hardcore hunters I know are Democrats
SMAIVE
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
Our militia and tea partiers focused on saving our state from those dangerous revenuers at any cost...
Not from around here
Sun, May 1, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
if smave cannot prove his point about backers of the bill being tea party memebrs or militia members, this is liable and must be removed Tony, you seem to be letting a lot of this go on without letting people respond. Calling someone a tea party memeber of a milita memeber is just name calling and offensive.
leaguebus
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
This is a joke! I was almost killed while hunting by my 12 year old cousin who was walking behind me snapping the safety of his shotgun on and off, on the on stroke he also hit the trigger and fired into the ground 6 inches behind my feet. Sorry guys, gun safety or not these are kids using a weapon that can kill. Why not let them get drivers licenses, too? Its just as deadly a weapon.
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
Sounds like you are the one that should not be in the woods! You knew this was going on and kept yourself in an unsafe position? I doubt you could ever pass a test to be a mentor!
AA
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
You must be kidding. Really? This just goes to show we are all slowly losing our minds. Must be all the prescription drugs in the water and food supplies. WOW.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:53 p.m.
Let's state this once and for all: the youth in questions must first pass hunters safety, do range time and be involved with a licensed mentor. No 2 yr old or 5 years have the reading, writing and test taking ability to pass this test. What we are talking about, at best, is 8, 9 and 10 year old. To purchase a firearm in Michigan you must be 18 and fill out and pass a background check with the state-now we can stop all the miss information.
Rork Kuick
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:30 p.m.
From legislature web site I see Senate bill 207 passed the senate on 4/27/2011. 106 yes, 30 no, 6 excused. Those facts might have been useful to the article.
Rork Kuick
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
No, maybe that was 30 yes, 6 no, 2 excused. So Sorry.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
Was the sponsor of this bill Steven King, by any chance?
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:47 p.m.
So many comments from those with no experience! I have spent many hours in the woods with my grand children hunting. And until I am confident they are responsible and safe I do not carry a gun myself. I have both a grandson and granddaughter that have been shooting since they were 6 or 7. It is all about the training, experience and sense of responsibility. I guarantee you there are posters here that range in age from 18 to 80 that I would not want to ride in a car with!
Michisbest
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
Come on this is crazy. I grew up in a family of hunters on a farm in southern michigan. I learned how to respect firearms and wasn't able to hunt unitl I was 12 with a shotgun and 14 with a rifle. I don't care where in Michigan you live. Kids in general do not grow up with respect for firearms and lowering the age limit was a bad idea last year and this is even worse. if you truly want to let them enjoy the outdoors they can hunt without a gun at any age. As far as that meat on the table nonsense give it up.
Ricebrnr
Sun, May 1, 2011 : 11:49 p.m.
Those kids you speak of sound like they have poor parental units gun owners, hunters or not. My 10 year old has been shooting for over 2 years and been exposed to firearms since he was a toddler. Not only does he well respect firearms, I know that should he ever encounter one outside of my supervision and/or if one of his friends shold find one. I can rest safe in the knowledge my child won't be in the news for having accidently shot someone or been shot by someone. My 5 year old also has been taught to respect firearms. We don't hunt but we respect the right of others to decide for themselves and their own children when they are ready to do so.
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
"Kids in general do not grow up with respect for firearms" Dah! That is absolutely true when they grow up with no one to teach them! But in home where there are hunters, kids in general DO grow up with respect for firearms!
Gill
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.
You can't drive. You can't drink. But here, take this gun and go shoot something. I am noticing a trend here: Conservatives view based on how something impacts themselves. Liberals view based on how something impacts their community.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
Sounds about right. One thinks they know what is best for themselves and their own families. - Self determination. The other thinks they know based on their own limited experience and preconceptions what's best for everyone else...subjugation. Thanks for pointing that out.
Eileen
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
Oh, yeah...like all those twenty something so-called adults are so responsible out there! Who's doing all the armed robberies and drive-by shootings? And this is who you want making the decision to let a 5 year old go out and hunt??? We'll be hearing about more and more elementary school children bringing guns into the schools. Not to mention hunters being shot by pre-schoolers, particularly the "responsible parent" who put the gun in the kid's hands to begin with. This is down right ridiculous!
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
Eileen Please take a breath and think a little! How many hunters do you know that have been convicted of armed robberies and drive-by shootings? How many hunters do YOU know? "And this is who you want making the decision to let a 5 year old go out and hunt???" Another knee jerk reaction by someone that is apparently older than "twenty something" that obviously has no 1st hand knowledge of guns, hunting, and hunting laws.
Jim Clarkson
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
Quick point, most people that do drive by shootings and armed robbery are not gun owners just for the simple fact that most of them are using stolen guns. Also those folks are not hunters, at least not in the legal sense. But I do agree with you that this is a bad idea, not all legal gun owners are responsible people. I just ask that you do not lump all gun owners together into a group.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Eileen you amuse me.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
it's insulting to say that young hunters are the ones doing the armed robberies or drive by's (there not) and its equally insulting to pre determine that elementary school children will now be taking guns to school (they wouldn't) and I defy you to name one instance of a pre school hunter shooting a parent (there isn't) sorry to say it like it is but what you are saying are at best un informed and at worse intentional deception.
Rork Kuick
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
@alan: I am skeptical if this bill will be enabling for the poachers and unlicensed idiots you speak of - what the law says doesn't really influence their antics I think. Is this bill terribly republican? I wasn't aware of that. Disclaimer: I bow hunt deer (and the almighty toploin is thawing - send morels, please). I make Obama look right-wing though.
Bob of Ann Arbor
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
People who own guns will hunt with there kids as soon as they feel the little tikes are ready. There is an aweful lot of this state that's much more rural than Ann Arbor and those people hunt whenever possible to provide food for the family. I personally think it's scary for young kids to be hunting with guns, but then I'm not a hunter. I'm not concerned about it one way or the other.
xmo
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
I feel a lot safer with a rifle in the hands of a Five year old than letting Democrats run the Government!
Thomas Jones
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:55 p.m.
BRAVO!!! me too!!!!
tom swift jr.
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
what Irony... I feel better with a rifle in the hands of a Democrat than letting a five year old run the government...
A2K
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:43 p.m.
Honesty this is a tempest in a teacup...if you want to see who has more respect/who's safer around firearms, it's kids who's parents hunt and who learned from a young age to LEAVE mom/dad's guns alone. I don't think anyone is going to give their 2-year-old a shotgun and let them have-at-it. Sheesh! However, I also don't think a kid under 10 is mentally ready to take the life of another living creature - it can be very unsettling and scary for a young kid -- but it does bring home the reality of where that steak comes from.
alan
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
I always hear about the responsible hunters, the stewards of the land. Please explain to me where these people are. I finally gave up and sold my nice tranquil 80 acres. They drive down the road at night with spotlights and shoot deer from their trucks. They have shot my dog and my horses and been arrested for almost killing me with a rifle which was illegal for hunting in this part of the state. They trespassed all over my property and built blinds in my woods, leaving me to clean up the mess. They poach deer and throw the carcasses on the road. They set up behind a ridge and blasted away when the deer came out of the woods, taking the adults and leaving the carcasses of the fawns behind. My neighbor hasn't had a license for years and every fall the DNR comes to his house and removes a dozen illegal carcasses hanging in his barn but never takes him. The police and the DNR come to my house and laugh because they all do the same things. Now giving weapons to kids is a good idea? I'm supposed to trust that their parents are responsible? I am frankly disturbed that this is what my legislature spends their time doing.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
alan I wont accuse you of lieing but could you show us where in these reports your neighbor beens busted multi times. When your busted poaching they take your guns and destoy them. <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-42199_50569---,00.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-42199_50569---,00.html</a>
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.
And I'm sure you'll be posting those police and DNR reports shortly to prove your post, I wouldn't want to accuse you of anything with out an opportunity to defend your statement. If you want to find the stewards of the land, check out the mill creek buck pole, or the duck stamp line at your local sporting goods store.
Xraymoo
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
Although I support the 2nd amendment I'm opposed to this bill. Children mature at different rates and even though I am sure there are kids younger than 13 capable of learning to shoot responsibly, my personal opinion is that the majority of kids under this age are not. If the proposal passes I hope that the children are required to attend a safety course specifically designed for them by a third-party that is not related to them.
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
"Children mature at different rates and even though I am sure there are kids younger than 13 capable of learning to shoot responsibly, my personal opinion is that the majority of kids under this age are not" Are you talking about children of non-hunters? I agree. If you are talking about kids that have grown up in families that hunt, I disagree. The majority of those kids are ready before 13 some are ready before 10. I started hunting at age 8 and I have not shot anyone yet.
Xraymoo
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
I was talking about the children taking a safety class not the hunters which I'm not sure they will be required to take if they are being....."mentored" by an adult. The article doesn't say one way or the other.
jjc155
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
You mean like the hunter safety course that everyone born after 1968ish in the state of michigan has been required to take inorder to qualify to purchase a hunting license and hunt?
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
All Hunters are required to attend hunter safety, nice try
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
Hers the link. <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2011-SIB-0207.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billintroduced/Senate/pdf/2011-SIB-0207.pdf</a>.
Nacho
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
I understand how scary this sounds. However, since a licensed adult is needed, that means the parent is involved. Adults can't make good choices with guns, why shouldn't a responsible hunter go out with his 8 year old and let the child shoot squirrels. This isn't about 5 year olds running around town with guns. It's about allowing responsible stewards of our natural resource to take their children into the field with them and teach them proper gun safety. If we as a society can get back towards being able to put our own meat on the table and being able to handle ourselves in nature, maybe we won't be a society full of lazy fast food eating teens. The kids that spend time in nature with family grow up to be responsible conservators of our land, something we are beginning to truly lack today. Just one man's opinion.
Nacho
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
Ok sorry, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, family friend, the bottom line is licensed adult does equal someone who cares enough about that child to teach them about nature, self-reliance and gun safety.
johnnya2
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.
" since a licensed adult is needed, that means the parent is involved." Licensed adult does NOT equal parent. You are making assumption of facts not in evidence.
tom swift jr.
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
"hand rubbed organic meat at $15 a pound" really? where are you buying it for that price, 'cuz I can't find it anywhere for less than about $30 per pound!
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
Back of a Van by Arborland!
fear_of_machines
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
This just doesn't seem like a safe idea. Regardless of whether or not a child under the age of 10 is accompanied by a supervising adult, I feel like someone that young would have difficulty understanding how dangerous and serious firearms are. All it takes is a moment of not paying attention to the child, and something disastrous could happen very easily. Plus, kids don't always listen to their parents... do people really want to take that risk? "Don't point the gun at daddy! You're not going to get any ice cream on the way home if you don't listen to-BLAM!" Whoops.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
"Contrary to popular Ann Arbor belef, you can't just walk into wal-mart, buy a gun and blast away at will..." other than the ramifications of the "blast away at will..." part you pretty much can just walk in to wal-mart and buy a shotgun or rifle.
fear_of_machines
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.
And you cited Texas as a defense! I didn't want to flood the thread with the numerous examples that are a few clicks away. You know how to use a computer - you're smart, right? Do a search. Figure it out, I know you can do it ;).
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Nice work, you found two....one from NC and one from LA. So two out of 100's of millions, neither in our state. The odds of children death from activities are a lot higher with bicycling
fear_of_machines
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
A quick Google search reveals that this does actually happen, even with kids above the age of 10. <a href="http://www.wcti12.com/news/25417026/detail.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.wcti12.com/news/25417026/detail.html</a> <a href="http://www.wwltv.com/news/Thibodaux-father-dies-after-son-accidently-shoots-him-while-hunting-104635799.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.wwltv.com/news/Thibodaux-father-dies-after-son-accidently-shoots-him-while-hunting-104635799.html</a> You're right, it doesn't seem to happen *that* often. But it happens, so it's a valid concern. I'm all in favor of hunters' rights, however, I fail to see how controlling the age at which a child can use a gun to hunt is a bad thing. It's not going to affect the economic benefits of hunting that you described. Also, my brother-in-law used to work the gun counter at a Walmart in Lapeer. Man, the horror stories he told about some of his customers. There are lots of people out there giving you respectable hunters very bad names, and I don't think they should be allowed to take kids under the age of 10 hunting with them.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
Excellent point, if you can cite an example. But it just doesn't happen. Texas has been doing this for years with 0 issues. the process of becoming a licenced hunter in michigan takes hunter safety lessons, marksmenship training and , for these new hunters under 11 an additional mentoruing program with the parent they will be hunting with. Contrary to popular Ann Arbor belef, you can't just walk into wal-mart, buy a gun and blast away at will. Plus hunting revenues add billions to the state economy and is largly responsible for the protection of migratory waterfowl, the re-introduction of wolves and the saving of the American Bison and whitetail deer. Plus hunting fee's pay for parks and natural areas. Next time you see me when your bird watchin (no permit=$0) or hiking (same) you can thank me and my brothers and sisters.
tdw
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Hmmm....I've been around guns my entire life.I was taught by my parents about guns.Never had a problem.All kids aren't stupid sheep.Sorry
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.
Typical A2 elitism. I have news for everyone. There is an entire state to the north and west of you. Presque is a rural area with a rich hunting heritage. I have live in that part of the state and people up there NEED to hunt. If dad doesn't bring home the deer, thats meat off the table. Not everyone has the luxury of hoping in the prius and heading to a specialty shop for hand rubbed organic meat at $15 a pound. Lets let responsible parents,like the ones REQUIRED to be in the licenced mentoring program in order for there children to participate, make decisions for there own kids. I look forward to my first squirel hunt with my 8 year old! And he's been activally shooting for a year now.
Thomas Jones
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Bravo!!!!!
Corey Lord
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 7:30 p.m.
Typical rural Michigan ignorance. Just because you feel (and I stress feel) people NEED to hunt deer in Michigan for their food doesn't mean they need to bring their children along to shoot too. I don't care how great of a heritage hunting is for an area, 10 is young enough to learn about it. Its unsafe and stupid.
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
@johnnya2 I think the point was there are places in this country and yes even this state where many people rely on deer meat in particular to help them put food on the table all year. I don't think he was suggesting that they would go hungry if the kids could not hunt.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Hey Johnny, Internet-Public library=FREE Rifle-.22 handed down from Grandpa Ammo-$2.50 for 50 rounds Ann Arbor Elitism=Priceless
johnnya2
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
What a load of crap. You can get internet but not food? Get a clue. You dont NEED to kill for your food, you do it for the fun of it and because you like it. Don't confuse the two. If you can make it to ammunition and the gun store, you can make it to the grocery.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
So who should decide? Trust me, I know adults I wouldn't trust with a butter knife but kids who go through this program, and yes it is a program with many steps, are the ones to trust. I started my kids off young. One loves to shoot and wants to hunt, one doesn't. I'll be the first to stand in line with my 8 year old. Lets trust parents and the DNR, not a nanny state.
fear_of_machines
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
I wouldn't confuse "elitism" with concern for children's safety... The people who "NEED" to hunt as you put it can continue to hunt, whether or not their young child is pulling the trigger. Regardless of how responsible a parent thinks they are, it just seems like common sense that a child should be of a certain age and more able to comprehend the potential dangers of hunting.
Tom Joad
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
Thanks for the heads-up I will stay out of the woods.
jcj
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
Hallelujah! One less ill informed person in the woods!
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
I'm sure you already do
John of Saline
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Baby's first rifle!
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
Thanks Rick Squeeky Snyder who will, when he signed this bill, be getting major press coverage for Michigan as we put guns in the hands of two year olds. Now that's what I call reinventing Michigan.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
Hey Alan, lets site on publication in one state where someone has put a firearm in the hands of a 2 yr old and sent them hunting, oh you can't well guess that makes your post inacurate, untrue and iss informed. But don't let that stop ya!
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
I"m OK with it as long as the supervising adult is charged with manslaughter should, God forbid, the ultimate hunting accident occurs while the child is wielding the weapon. I don't suppose that's in the bill?
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
I'm afraid I don't understand your point.
Not from around here
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Hey Craig, go to the DNR website, check out hunters shoot by other hunters in commision of huntign and post the hundreds of examples. or Do what I did, call the DNR in Lansing and cite all of the hunters who have accidentally shot someone hunting in 2011.....if not please sit on your hands
Jim
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
Oh great..