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MILES CITY – Montana’s two-day, youth-only deer hunt is coming up October 16 and 17, and general deer season opens October 25. If your youth is planning to apply as an apprentice hunter to participate in the youth hunt, it’s a good idea to apply now and avoid what could be longer wait times closer to general season.
The apprentice hunter law allows people ages 10 and older to hunt as apprentices with an adult mentor for two seasons without completing a Hunter Education course.
It’s also a good idea to visit the website at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter and read the apprentice hunter packet before seeking certification. Packets are also available at regional offices. There are guidelines for both the apprentice and the required mentor, including what apprentices can and cannot do, who can act as a mentor, and how the certification process works. Reading up on it beforehand and having the proper documents and signatures may prevent possible confusion and save people from making an extra trip.
Some key details to note:
- Certification can only be done at an FWP office, although the forms can be downloaded ahead of time from the website
- A person must be certified before purchasing appropriate licenses, which will then show apprentice status
- If the mentor is not related to an apprentice who is under the age of 18, a legal guardian’s signature also will be needed, and the parent must provide his or her driver’s license in addition to the mentor’s
- A mentor must present a valid driver’s license or other identification at the time of certification
- A youth need not accompany the adult to certify as an apprentice, but he or she does need to fill out paperwork and understand the guidelines.
An Apprentice MUST:
- Be at least 10 years old at the time of license purchase
- Fill out a certification form at an FWP office and pay a $5 certificate fee (forms available online at fwp.mt.gov)
- Hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 and who has completed Hunter Education if born after Jan. 1, 1985
- Have the appropriate current Montana hunting licenses for the species being hunted; the licenses must show that he/she is apprentice hunter certified
- Stay within sight of the non-hunting mentor at all times
An Apprentice MAY:
- Be a resident or nonresident.
- Obtain apprentice certification for no more than two license years before he or she must complete a hunter safety and education course
An Apprentice is NOT ELIGIBLE to:
- Obtain a special bow and arrow license without first completing a Bowhunter Education course (must be 11 years old to take bow ed)
- Obtain a resident hound training license for chasing mountain lion
- Participate in a hunting license or permit drawing with a limited quota
- Obtain any bighorn sheep license
- Obtain an elk license if under 15 years of age
A Mentor MUST:
- Be 21 or older
- Be related to the apprentice by blood, adoption or marriage; or be the apprentice’s legal guardian or be designated by the apprentice’s legal guardian (guardian must complete form and show ID)
- Have completed Hunter Education if born after Jan. 1, 1985
- Have a current Montana hunting license
- Complete the Apprentice Hunter Mentor form
- Agree to accompany and supervise the apprentice hunter and remain within sight of and direct voice contact with the apprentice at all times while in the field
- Confirm that the apprentice possesses the physical and psychological capacity to safely and ethically engage in hunting activities
- Keep the signed apprentice form in possession at all times in the field
Trapper Apprentice Program
New this year, the trapper apprentice program is similar to the hunter apprentice program. Individuals 10 years and older can obtain an apprentice trapping certificate, allowing them to purchase a Resident Trapping License or a Nonresident Trapping License and trap with a qualified mentor for up to two license years. After two years as an apprentice, individuals are required to pass a Trapper Education class to continue purchasing trapping licenses.
Mentors
Trapping mentors must be 21 years or older, have passed a Trapper Education course, and hold a current trapping license. Mentors must accompany and supervise apprentice trappers within sight and direct voice contact at all times while afield, as well as carry the mentor form.
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