Growing up, it was always a countdown to your 12th birthday. That was when I could officially become a mighty hunter. Today, my nephew, as well as kids all over the state, have an opportunity to shave off a couple years of waiting to take the field.
According to fwp.mt.gov
An apprentice MUST:
- be between the ages of 10-17 years old at the time of license purchase.
- have appropriate current Montana hunting license(s) for the species being hunted; the licenses MUST show that he/she is Apprentice Hunter Certified.
An apprentice MAY:
- be a resident or nonresident
- obtain an Apprentice Hunter Certification for no more than 2 license years before they must complete a hunter safety and education course
An apprentice is NOT ELIGIBLE to:
- obtain a special bow and arrow license without first having completed a bowhunter education course
- obtain a resident hound training license for chasing mountain lion
- participate in a hunting license or permit drawing with a limited quota
- obtain any bighorn sheep license
- obtain an elk license if under 15 years of age
A mentor MUST
- be 21 years old or older
- be related to the apprentice by blood, adoption, or marriage; or be the apprentice’s legal guardian, or be designated by the apprentice’s legal guardian
- have completed hunter education–if born after Jan. 1, 1985
- have a current Montana hunting license
- complete a Apprentice Hunter Mentor Form
- agree to accompany and supervise the apprentice hunter and remain within sight of and direct voice contact with the apprentice hunter at all times while in the field
- confirm that the apprentice hunter possesses the physical and psychological capacity to safely and ethically engage in hunting activities
- only accompany one apprentice at a time