Hunting News

Families Afield Campaign Picks Up Steam

Since the Familes Afield campaign's inception, 28 states have passed laws aimed at making it easier for people to get into the field and try hunting. Click here for a closer look.

WISCONSIN APPRENTICE BILL CLEARS SENATE AND ASSEMBLY . . . The Families Afield initiative is gaining ground in 2009. On the heels of a new law enacted in Nevada, Wisconsin is moving forward with an apprentice bill that would allow 10-year-old novice hunters the ability to get in the field with an experienced mentor. The bill, SB 167, has cleared the Senate and Assembly and now heads to Gov. Jim Doyle. The Families Afield campaign was established by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation. Since its inception, 28 states have passed Families Afield-style legislation aimed at making it easier for people to get into the field and try hunting. "It's very encouraging to see so many states embracing the Families Afield concept," said Melissa Schilling, NSSF manager of recruitment and retention. "What's even more encouraging is seeing so many new hunters of all ages taking advantage of these new and welcoming opportunities to give hunting a try." Read more about the Wisconsin bill at ussportsmen.org.