Expanding Hunter Apprentice Program, Air Ambulance Costs

HELENA – A bill making its way through the Montana Legislature would expand a program that the bill’s sponsor says could incentivize new hunters to take hunter’s safety.

Senate Bill 218, introduced by Rep. Mark Blasdel, R-Kalispell, allows anyone between the ages of 10 and 32 to obtain an apprentice hunting license, which requires new hunters to hunt only in the presence of a mentor, age 21 or older.

The bill also clarifies provisions of current law that previously could have prohibited 10- and 11-year-old hunters from obtaining apprentice licenses, and prevents such hunters from holding black...