A bill allowing children as young as 10 to hunt a variety of big game in Idaho advanced in the state legislature on Thursday, the Times-News reported.
The legislation, which was passed by the House Resources and Conservation Committee with three Democratic votes in opposition, would decrease the legal hunting age by two years. Current Idaho law stipulates that 10 and 11 year-olds may hunt small game with adult supervision.
“This is about opportunity and choice,” said Sharon Kiefer, deputy director for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. “It’s not a mandate.”
If the bill passes, 10-year olds could hunt big-game animals such as deer, elk, moose, wolves, bears, mountain lions and pronghorn antelope.
