Robbins Joins in Unveiling of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program

Program Aimed at Increasing Hunting Ranks

Harrisburg – Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today joined the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a coalition of sportsmen's groups at a news conference unveiling the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

Last year, Pennsylvania became the first state in the nation to enact a Mentored Youth Hunting law. "I was pleased to play a role in passing the legislation -- having sponsored Senate Bill 988 as well as offering the amendment that was inserted into House Bill 1690, now Act 86 -- that provided the Game Commission with the authority to establish the Mentored Youth Hunting Program," said Robbins.

Robbins noted that several sportsmen's groups formed a coalition of consisting of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Pass It On" Program, the Central Counties Concerned Sportsmen, the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Outdoor Writers Association of America, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Club, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, the Quality Deer Management Association, United Bowhunters, and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.

"The coalition saw a problem -- the fact that Pennsylvania is having a difficult time attracting new hunters," said Robbins. "They came up with the idea to provide youth with a hands-on opportunity to be a part of a true hunt in a responsible way -- under the supervision of an experienced hunter."

"In Pennsylvania, hunting and trapping has a $4.8 billion economic impact and is responsible for supporting more than 45,000 jobs," said Robbins. "As such, it is important that we not only work to retain hunters, but to attract the next generation in Pennsylvania. That is what the Mentored Youth Hunting Program is all about."

Senator Robbins was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Pennsylvania Game Commission for sponsoring legislation to create the Pennsylvania Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

For more information on the program, please go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission home page at: www.pgc.state.pa.us

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322