In many states it is illegal for children under the age of eighteen to go hunting. Only recently did South Carolina change this law for it's youth. Currently there are eighteen different states that have altered their hunting restrictions regarding youth hunting ages. People throw out many reasons for not allowing children to hunt before the age of eighteen, but I believe that it is every individuals choice. Officials should make compromises that will allow today's youth to hunt, yet still ensure their safety. Steps that can be implimented as compramises and in some instances have already been taken in order to allow today's youth to hunt include adult guidance, obtaining a hunting licenses, safety and information courses, and other enforced guidelines that will promote youth hunters safety.
Reason #1: You can allow younger children to safely enjoy hunting by taking certain safety precautions.
Reason #2: Eighteen states have already altered their hunting regulations regarding the legal hunting age.
Reason #3: If you are not accompanied by an adult you must have a hunting license, which will ensure that an individual is aware and capable of comprehending the rules and regulations of hunting.
Reason #4: There are specific guidelines and safety information courses that children are able to take that can enhance their knowledge and ability to conduct themselves in a safe manner while hunting.
Sources Consulted:
Dennis, Robert C. "Life's Better Outdoors." South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 31
Mar. 2008 http://www.dnr.sc.gov/.
Keck, Rob. "Youth and Novice Hunting Restrictions Lifted in Two States." National Wild
Turkey Federation. 6 July 2007. 1 Apr. 2008
Zarr, Justin. "World Hunting Association." The Ultimate Hunting Net Hunting Community. Aug.-Sept. 2007. 4 May 2008
3 comments:
I found your brief very interesting since I know very little about hunting laws and regulations. When you used the terms youth and children, I was wondering what ages you meant. In reason one you say children would take precautions. What were some specific precautions; such as, would parents have to accompany their children? You refer to 'eighteen states' that have changed their laws; what age do they now allow? I was also wondering what the requirements are to get a hunting licenses and if you have to show any gun skills.
There are many reasons why I do not agree with your argument.
-Children are not emotionally mature enough to handle the split-second decisions that are required in hunting.
-The serious life or death decisions that are involved with hunting are often too hard for children to make.
-Having children hunt puts not only the child in danger, but the people with them are in danger as well.
-Just because the child is with someone who is a licensed hunter, it does not mean that they will be able to stop the child from making a wrong decision fast enough.
Your first point was that children had the maturity to be able to hunt at any age.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, young children do not have the emotional maturity to make the life and death decisions that are required in hunting. Many children are put into these situations before they are ready, and it ends up making an impact on their entire lives.
Your second point of argument was that if children are supervised, there will be no problem with them hunting.
In hunting, decisions have to be made quickly. If a child decides to take an action that is dangerous, the adult with them will not have time to assess the situation and intervene. The adrenaline surge that comes in hunting will make the child speed their decisions up, causing greater danger.
Your third point of argument is that children are allowed to participate in other activities when they are under the age of 18, so they should be able to hunt too.
While hunting is judged as safer than some other children’s activities, such as cheerleading, the children are placed in greater danger. Cheerleading is seldom fatal, while hunting can be. Laws are also created for children’s safety. Children aren’t allowed to drive a car until they’re 16, and they’re not allowed to drink alcohol until they are 21. I think that in order to protect their safety, they should not be able to hunt until they’re at an appropriate age.
Your fourth point was that under adult supervision, children can safely use a fire arm.
While adults may be close by helping the children, there can be many instances where the adult supervision is lacking. The adult just has to be there. There is no way to prove that the child will be properly supervised the whole time they are hunting.
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