Illinois Propose to Restrict Youth Hunting

[Keystone Kid]

http://www.ussportsmen.org/read-print.cfm?id=2125

Illinois Police Propose to Restrict Youth Hunting
Proposed regulation will keep youngsters out of the field
October 5, 2007 (National)

Law enforcement officials in Illinois have proposed regulations that
will prohibit young people from partaking in hunting and other
firearm-related activities.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has submitted a proposal to the Joint
Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) that will prohibit anyone under
10 years of age from obtaining an Firearm Owners Identification Card
(FOID). All Illinois residents who buy or possess firearms are required
to have a valid FOID card. The proposal appears to be the department's
knee-jerk reaction to anti-hunting/anti-gun activists who responded with
hysterics after reading a satirical article that made light of how
easily a newborn could obtain a FOID.

The ISP's proposal has drawn the ire of sportsmen. It denies parents of
the right to decide when and how children get involved in hunting and
shooting sports. If the age restriction is put in place, it will delay
the entry of successive generations into the hunting heritage and lead
to a decline in the sportsmen's community.

"Research shows that in states with hunting age restrictions, the
recruitment and retention ratio of new hunters is lower than in states
that do not have such restrictions," said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president.
"At present, Illinois does not have a minimum hunting age, and we would
like to see it stay that way."

The JCAR is an administrative body responsible for reviewing and
considering proposed regulations. Prior to considering proposed
regulations, JCAR must observe a 45-day public comment period during
which citizens may submit written comments.

USSA will submit official comments to JCAR early next week. Illinois
sportsmen should keep an eye to your e-mail for an action alert.