Proposed Bill Would Eliminate Required In-Person Gun Training

A change could be coming for young Iowa hunters. 

Under current law, Iowa youth must finish an online hunter education course and complete an in-person “field day” before they can get a state hunting license – but a bill that’s passed the Iowa House would eliminate that required in-person gun training. 

State Representative Jason Gearhart, a Republican from Strawberry Point, says in many parts of the state, there are very few field days where minors can fire weapons – and enrollment is limited.

Iowans who pass a hunter education in 34 other states are still eligible for an Iowa hunting license – and North Carolina is among the 17 states that only require minors to pass an online version. Representative J.D. Scholten, a Democrat from Sioux City, says the way the bill’s written, it’s possible a 16 or 17 year old who has never held a gun could get a hunting license and go hunting by themselves.

Gearhart says he understands the concern.

The bill maintains the requirement that children between the ages of 11 and 15 who are hunting be accompanied by an adult. State law requires completion of a hunter safety course before children and adults may get a hunting license. The State of Iowa has offered the course online since 2008. 

story courtesy of Radio Iowa