We often talk about the rightful importance of introducing hunting to youth, aka 16 years of age and under. But, what about young men – and women – being afield for the very first time in their lives? It’s true. There are so many young people out there who have never been introduced to hunting. Why? Because no one ever took them. And, that is unfortunate. And, one can make the argument there is a moral obligation to pass on the legacy afforded you when you were young. If you do, the reward will stay with you forever.
On opening day of migratory Canada goose hunting season this past Friday, the advocate for the Hunters of Maryland brought with him his two son-in-laws (Chad Youngblood and Mark Thomas) and nephew (Ryan Cuccia) following their successful completion of DNR’s online hunter safety course, aka Apprenticeship Hunting License. Here’s how DNR explains the intent and purpose of this unique license on its website:
Low-Cost Apprentice Hunting Licenses Now Available
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license.
The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It allows anyone interested in hunting a one-time chance to try the sport before committing to the more lengthy process of obtaining a traditional hunting license.
“Our hope is to provide the apprentice an opportunity to experience hunting in Maryland at a reduced rate and have them become lifelong hunters,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Hunters remain the primary source of revenue for conservation initiatives and are critical to the state’s wildlife management efforts.”
Individuals can get only one Maryland apprentice hunting license per lifetime and applicants must first pass a short, online hunter safety course offered by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
When hunting, apprentice license holders must be accompanied and directly supervised by a fully-licensed Maryland resident, 18 years old or older, who must be close enough to take control of an archery device or firearm. An apprentice hunter can only hunt unaccompanied after successfully completing the full hunter safety course and receiving a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety.
Licensed apprentice hunters can hunt deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey and waterfowl. Appropriate stamps are needed to hunt migratory birds, deer and waterfowl with a bow or muzzleloader. Additionally, anyone 17 year old or older needs a Managed Hunt Permit to hunt in certain state parks.
These 3 young men – all in their 30’s – were so excited that none of them hardly slept the night before. Thankfully too, my overflowing closet of hunting apparel provided each with their own outfit so no one was out any money. Plus, each used one of my shotguns following a day at my place showcasing their skills under my supervision. No one wants to risk gun-related negligence in a goose hunting blind.
Since it was opening day, we set up by 7:30 am. We had two volleys before 10 am. Providence intervened and each of them were able to take one bird per these two volleys. Hallelujah!! When the bird drops, you know whether or not it was you. And, each of them loudly proclaimed “I got one!”. This individual proclamation – something seasoned waterfowlers are not-so-keen on when one of their own boasts of the individual taking – was recognized by all. I had my long-time goose hunting friend – Ken Lyons – with me and he was the first to legitimize their claim. It was truly a great day afield and it was cold too with overcast skies, a good thing!
Went to the pickers afterwards and each brought home their own Christmas goose.
And, yes, I’m taking them all again as many times as their jobs and wives allow. And, yes, they are now hunters for life. Giving back is priceless. Every seasoned hunter reading this should make an effort to find someone – no matter what his/her age – to take hunting. Odds are they won’t be hard to find. The joyful experience of seeing them drop their first bird…well, you’ll see and you’ll never forget. No doubt those above who took you hunting for the first time are smiling from ear to ear.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE HUNTERS OF MARYLAND.
