Junior hunting licenses: age of eligibility.

Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue an annual hunting license upon payment of a specified fee that varies in amount depending on whether the applicant is a resident of the state. Under existing law, an annual hunting license is valid for a term of one year beginning on July 1 or for the remainder of the term if issued after July 1. Existing law requires the department to issue a reduced-fee annual hunting license, known as a junior hunting license, upon payment of a specified fee, to a resident or nonresident who is under 16 years of age on July 1 of the licensing year for which that person seeks a license. This bill would, beginning July 1, 2024, and until July 1, 2029, increase the age of eligibility for an applicant for a reduced-fee junior hunting license from 16 to 18 years of age, as specified. The bill would require the Director of Fish and Wildlife to submit a report to the Legislature on or before October 1, 2027, that evaluates the effect of this change in the eligibility for the junior hunting license on participation in hunting. The bill would also make related conforming changes.