The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

It's that time of year again, early morning wake up calls, convenience store coffee, sandwiches and hunters orange as your outer-wear. Blaine county is a destination spot for plenty of hunters coming from afar, but just the same it is home to the next generation of young hunters ready to fill their tag for the first time. For some it's a rite of passage, a means to taking the next step in becoming an adult. Montana is deeply rooted in hunting tradition and providing those experiences to our sons and daughters is something cherished very deeply in many families.

Montana began providing young hunters with even more opportunity to get out in the great outdoors and experience the thrill of the hunt with the addition of the Youth Apprentice Program. This innovative program allows anyone 10 or older to hunt for up to two years without first completing a hunter education course. There are restrictions in place that requires all apprentice hunters be accompanied by a certified mentor during the entire duration of the hunt.

The youth apprentice program was created by the 2015 State Legislature. Original language of the law provided opportunity for youth 10-17 years of age to hunt without completing hunter education. In 2017 the Legislature changed the language to increase the age limit to anyone 10 or older while also prohibiting an apprentice hunter from obtaining a black bear, mountain lion or wolf license. For more information go to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website, https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter and download the apprentice application.

The Blaine County Journal has enjoyed sharing the successful hunts of our local youth through the years and we are happy to share our first three success stories this week. Tyler Stepper, Ruger Schofield and Zoë Schofield highlight this week's trio.

Tyler Stepper successfully harvested his second Buck in year number two of the apprentice program. Tyler harvested his buck on opening day of the youth hunt while hunting in the morning at a family favorite location north of Chinook. Tyler used a new .270 that he received as an early birthday present.

His first shot came from 75 yards, but just missed high. With the buck on the run Tyler fired again from 100 yards successfully bringing down the animal. In describing the shot Tyler says he was shooting down a cut bank and hit the spine. "My favorite part is getting to spend time with my Dad and Grandpa and eating it of course." Tyler will turn 12 the end of November and is in the sixth grade at Meadowlark Elementary.

Zoe Schofield

Ruger Schofield is 10 years and in 5th grade. Ruger is in his first year of the apprenticeship program and he used a .220 Swift at about 100 yards to harvest his Muley Buck. Ruger took this Muley Buck in the Bear Paws on opening day with his Dad alongside of him. "My favorite part about hunting is being able to see all sorts of animals and spending time outside hiking around. "

Zoë Schofield is 12 years old and in 6th grade. Zoë successfully harvested her first Antelope after a patient stalk to within 50 yards. She harvested the Antelope Doe with a .243 while hunting in the Bear Paws with her father and brother on opening day. "It was exciting to be able to sneak up on the herd and be so close to them. It made my adrenaline pump."

If you would like to share the successful hunt of your youth with us please let us know. Send a picture of the young hunter with their animal and a brief description of the successful hunt to bcjads@mtintouch.net.