North Carolina HB 1277, introduced by Rep. Bill Faison, D-Durham, exempts youth under age 16 from a hunting license requirement as long as they are accompanied and supervised by a licensed hunter 21 years or older.  This gives parents greater flexibility to take their children into the field.  Gov. Easley has until Oct. 2 to sign or to veto the bill.

According to the research, 34 states restrict youth participation in hunting. These states restrict hunting before age 13 or prohibit the introduction of hunting before the completion of a hunter education course.

House Bill 1277 passed the House of Representatives in May by a vote of 113 to 0 with three abstentions.  It then passed the Senate in Aug. by a vote of 49 to 0.