Rep. Blake proposes adult supervision for young hunters

January 21, 2009

OLYMPIA – Washington state law currently permits all licensed hunters, regardless of their age, to hunt without adult supervision. Today, the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on Rep. Brian Blake’s (D-Aberdeen) HB 1114, which requires that all hunters under the age of 14 be accompanied by an age 18 or older, adult licensed hunter.

As an avid hunter, Blake recognizes the many benefits of hunting. “I hope to create a stronger bond between young and experienced hunters,” Blake said. “Becoming a responsible hunter is a learning process that should be shared with a mentor.”

His bill would reinstate a minimum age requirement that was inadvertently removed from state law in 1994. It would still allow hunting for ages 13 and younger, but would require that they be supervised by an adult.

HB 1114 also requires that all accompanying adult licensed hunters stay within a close enough range to continually see and hear the hunter. All hunters age 14 and older must continue to obtain a hunting license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

If passed, HB 1114 will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the session. It is currently scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 8:00 a.m.

###

Contact: Brian Blake (360) 786-7870; Blake.brian@leg.wa.gov

Downloadable photo: http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Blake.jpg 

Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255; Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.gov