Vermont is one of several states taking steps to improve the number of young people taking up the sport. Here is a list of things several groups will be working on in the near future that they hope will make hunting more appealing and easier to participate in.
# Increase by 10 percent the number of people, particularly families, introduced to shooting in Vermont through structured, educational programs by 2011.
# Provide elementary teachers with materials to teach youngsters about the values of wildlife and the role that hunting plays in the scheme of things.
# Reach out to landowners by showing them the benefits of hunting for them and their land.
# Increase access opportunities to private lands.
# Beginning in 2007, require all Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department staff to complete the hunter education course.
# Develop legislation that will provide a means for stable, sustainable funding for Fish & Wildlife by Jan. 15, 2008.
# By the 2008 hunting season, create and implement a “learner’s permit” to simplify the introduction of Vermonters to hunting.
# Strengthen and improve relationships between hunters and the public.
# Add wildlife management curriculum to every Vermont school by 2010, to be taught in Grades K-12.
# Develop a 4-H shooting sports program in every Vermont county by 2010.
# Assure that every Vermont youth have access to a Fish & Wildlife mentoring and hunter education program by 2011.
Read more about what Vermont is doing.
Tom Remington
