OFAH Insider: Celebrating 20 years of hunter apprenticeship

Today’s 30-something hunters were the first generation to have the opportunity to start hunting at the age of 12. Prior to 1998, those who wanted to hunt had to wait until they turned 15 to take the Ontario Hunter Education course. Fortunately, just ahead of the new millennium, the Hunter Apprenticeship Safety Program (HASP) was introduced in the province, allowing 12-to-14-year-olds the chance to legally participate in the hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed, adult hunting mentor. The introduction of the apprenticeship program came after more than a decade of relentless effort by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), which saw it as a positive change for the future of hunting in Ontario. Not surprisingly, the program has been a resounding success. Paving the way for new hunters The recruitment and retention of new hunters is important to ensure that hunting traditions continue beyond the current generation. In addition to passing on skills and ethics, new hunters become part of a hunting culture that contributes to wildlife management, respects wild game, and values natural resources. In time, they will become the funding source for fish and wildlife management, and vested stewards of our lands and waters. “Getting youth directly engaged early helps to instill in them a passion for hunting. And it’s needed if we want to compete with the many activities vying for their attention these days,” says Dave Pind, Hunter Education Program Manager for the OFAH. “As we reflect on this important milestone, we also look forward to an exciting new opportunity for the apprentice hunter.” Apprentice bag limits In 2014, the OFAH submitted a proposal to the MNRF to establish a hunter apprentice licensing program that would remove the requirement for apprentices to share a bag limit with their mentor. The Federation proposed giving 12-to-14-year-old youth apprentices the option to purchase an Outdoors Card and game licences under a letter of consent from their parent or guardian, an option that was already available to 15-year-old participants. In the fall of 2017, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry announced a number of significant changes to licensing, including the OFAH’s recommendations to expand the hunter apprenticeship program. “This is great news for youth apprentice hunters and their mentors, as some face barriers to get out hunting,” says Pind, referring to a shift in recent years towards more hunter recruits who do not come from