Public comments for the state’s new apprentice hunter program are due at the end of the month.

Under the program, children from ages 10 to 17 would be able to hunt without first completing the state’s Hunter Education class, provided they are accompanied in the field by a qualified mentor. Mentors must be at least 21 years old, possess a state hunting license and be either a relative of the apprentice hunter or appointed by the hunter’s legal guardian.

Currently, only children ages 12 or older, who have completed a hunter education class, can obtain a hunting license in Montana. Apprentice hunters would be required to complete hunter education after two hunting seasons to continue hunting.

The rule is the product of Senate Bill 395, sponsored by Sen. Mark Blasdel, R-Kalispell, and introduced during the legislative session earlier this year. Blasdel’s bill ultimately failed to pass the state House, but the apprentice hunter measure was rolled into a separate funding bill for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

A public hearing on the proposed rule will be held today at 6 p.m., at the agency’s Helena headquarters at 1460 E. 6th Ave.

For more information or to comment online, visit fwp.mt.gov, then click “Apprentice Hunter Rule.” Comments may also be mailed to: Apprentice Hunter Rule, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Attention: Wayde Cooperider, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620; or emailed to wacooperider@mt.gov. Comments are due by July 31.