Nebraska Bird Partnership

A measure signed into law last spring by Gov. Dave Heineman to close a loophole for young hunters is now in effect.

Nebraska law had stated that a hunter holding an apprentice hunter education exemption certificate must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older.  The new language in effect starting Thursday requires the accompanying person, if between the ages of 19 and 29, to have firearm hunter education certification if hunting with a firearm or crossbow. The accompanying person must have a bow hunter education certification if hunting with a bow and arrow.

Without the change, two people who did not have hunter education certification could each obtain an apprentice hunter education exemption certificate, then legally accompany each other.