FLASH: Ohio House of Representatives passes Apprentice Hunting License bill

HB296, the Buckeye Firearms Association-endorsed Apprentice Hunting License bill sponsored by Representative Steve Buehrer (R-74) of Delta, Ohio was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives today.

Preliminary vote total was 89 For and 3 Against.

Voting against this good legislation were Representatives Tom Brinkman (R-34), Barbara Sykes (D-44) and Shirley Smith (D-10).

Click here to view a video archive of the vote.

To view a copy of House Bill 296 as Passed by the House, CLICK HERE.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration, before hopefully moving to the Governor's office to be signed into law.

Following is a press release on these developments from the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance issued a press release today, stating in part:

(Columbus) ­ Two bills that will make it easier for youngsters to become
involved in hunting advanced today in state legislatures. The bills are
part of the Families Afield campaign, established by a partnership of
sportsmen’s organizations to aid in the recruitment of new hunters.

Ohio HB 296, a bill that creates an apprentice hunting license, was today
approved 89 to 3 by the House of Representatives. The bill’s sponsor,
Rep. Stephen Buehrer, R-Delta, introduced the legislation to allow
licensed, mentor hunters to take apprentice hunters into the field prior
to the completion of hunter education certification.

“The progress of this bill is important for all hunters,” said Tony
Celebrezze, director of state services for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
(USSA). “The more hunters in the field, young or old, the better the
future for hunting and conservation in Ohio.”

Buckeye Firearms Association is pleased to join USSA endorsing HB296. We will continue to bring you updates as the bill makes it's way through the Senate.