Governor Christie Signs Apprentice Hunting Bill

by
posted on August 20, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nj_apprentice_bill_f.jpg

Aug. 10 was a good day for hunters in New Jersey as Gov. Chris Christie signed Senate Bill 573 into law, making the Garden State the 39th to offer an apprentice youth hunting program. Effective immediately, hunters ages 14 and older may obtain their firearm or bowhunting hunting license providing they will be hunting with a mentor who is at least 21 years old and has purchased a license for the same hunting method.

According to NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, the bill passed by an overwhelming margin of 31-1 in the state senate and 31-1 in the general assembly. 

In the past, lengthy hunter-education requirements and/or the amount of time it took to complete the course sometimes discouraged potential new hunters merely interested in trying out the sport. The apprentice program has a built-in safety measure, allowing our young friends and family members to experience hunting under adult supervision before taking the course. The goal is for apprentices to eventually complete a hunter education course so they can hunt on their own, which is typically the case in states that offer similar programs. Approximately 1.5 million apprentice hunting licenses have been sold in participating states since 2006.

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.