Apprentice Hunter Validation

View · by **Stradawhovious** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:42 am

I have a quick question about the Apprentice Hunter program.

According to the DNR website, you purchase an Apprentice Hunter Validation for $3.50 at an ELS vendor, then with that you can purchase a deer tag for the apprentice hunter like usual based on your zone?

Is that correct? I've heard that the Apprentice has to hunt under the adult's tag, but it doesn't sound like it with what I've read. I'm fine with either way, but just want to be sure. My 14 year old has been dragging his feet on the Hunter's Safety class, and as a result can't schedule a walkthrough before deer season. This seems like a good way for him to be able to sit in the stand with me this year.

Thanks

View · by **rugersol** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:22 am

Stradawhovious wrote:This seems like a good way for him to be able to sit in the stand with me this year.

... wait a second ... are you saying someone w/o a license (i.e. minor) can't sit in the stand?! :shock:

I was thinkin' of takin' my boy into the woods like we might shoot a deer, if we saw one!

... I know others who've done this with no licenses ... did something change?!

View · by **Stradawhovious** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:26 am

rugersol wrote:
Stradawhovious wrote:This seems like a good way for him to be able to sit in the stand with me this year.

... wait a second ... are you saying someone w/o a license (i.e. minor) can't sit in the stand?!

I was thinkin' of takin' my boy into the woods like we might shoot a deer, if we saw one! ... I know others who've done this with no licenses ... did something change?!

Correction..... good way for him to be able to hunt with me in my stand. For him to actually have a firearm and take a deer.

View · by **ex-LT** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:16 am

Stradawhovious wrote:I have a quick question about the Apprentice Hunter program.

According to the DNR website, you purchase an Apprentice Hunter Validation for $3.50 at an ELS vendor, then with that you can purchase a deer tag for the apprentice hunter like usual based on your zone?

Is that correct? I've heard that the Apprentice has to hunt under the adult's tag, but it doesn't sound like it with what I've read. I'm fine with either way, but just want to be sure. My 14 year old has been dragging his feet on the Hunter's Safety class, and as a result can't schedule a walkthrough before deer season. This seems like a good way for him to be able to sit in the stand with me this year.

Thanks

Partially correct. He can purchase a deer tag, but must be accompanied by an adult hunter. Per the DNR regs....

Apprentice Hunter Validation
...

This validation allows the individual to hunt small game, wild turkey, and deer without having completed hunter education firearms safety training. The validation is good for two license years in a lifetime, but must be purchased each time.

An individual utilizing an Apprentice Hunter Validation must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter and hunt within unaided verbal and visual contact of the licensed adult hunter. Depending on their age and requirements, apprentice hunters must purchase all applicable licenses and stamps.
...

View · by **Mdclinks** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:19 am

Stradawhovious wrote:I have a quick question about the Apprentice Hunter program.

According to the DNR website, you purchase an Apprentice Hunter Validation for $3.50 at an ELS vendor, then with that you can purchase a deer tag for the apprentice hunter like usual based on your zone?

Is that correct? I've heard that the Apprentice has to hunt under the adult's tag, but it doesn't sound like it with what I've read. I'm fine with either way, but just want to be sure. My 14 year old has been dragging his feet on the Hunter's Safety class, and as a result can't schedule a walkthrough before deer season. This seems like a good way for him to be able to sit in the stand with me this year.

Thanks

As I have understood this, the apprentice hunts under their own license with supervision of a licensed hunter who has either completed hunters safety or was born before 1980. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/recreation/hunting/apprentice_hunter.pdf

View · by **Stradawhovious** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:22 am

ex-LT wrote:Partially correct. He can purchase a deer tag, but must be accompanied by an adult hunter. Per the DNR regs....

Are you saying I'm not an adult? :lol:

Yes, he will be with me the whole time in visual and verbal contact. His seat is in my stand, 3 feet away from me. I did read that portion of the DNR regs, and intend to comply with it. I should have been more clear. Thanks!

My main question was whether he could get his own tag under this program, or if he had to hunt under mine. Also, if I needed to jump through any more hoops than just getting a validation at an ELS and then get a tag for him.

Seems I don't. This should be relatively painless this year!... Next year we will make sure to have him finish his hunter's safety course long before opener.

View · by **Keith81** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:29 am

Stradawhovious wrote:
ex-LT wrote:Partially correct. He can purchase a deer tag, but must be accompanied by an adult hunter. Per the DNR regs....

Are you saying I'm not an adult?

Yes, he will be with me the whole time in visual and verbal contact. His seat is in my stand, 3 feet away from me. I did read that portion of the DNR regs, and intend to comply with it. I should have been more clear. Thanks!

My main question was whether he could get his own tag under this program, or if he had to hunt under mine. Also, if I needed to jump through any more hoops than just getting a validation at an ELS and then get a tag for him.

Seems I don't. This should be relatively painless this year!... Next year we will make sure to have him finish his hunter's safety course long before opener.

He will get his own tag just pay the fee and it works just like any other license. I Had to do the same thing last year.

View · by **grousemaster** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:47 am

You should be good to go Strad, just get him the apprentice validation and a tag. Good luck!

View · by **Stradawhovious** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:55 am

grousemaster wrote:You should be good to go Strad, just get him the apprentice validation and a tag. Good luck!

I'm just hoping he sees a deer, and gets a shot off at it. That would make my whole season.

View · by **grousemaster** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:25 am

Stradawhovious wrote:
grousemaster wrote:You should be good to go Strad, just get him the apprentice validation and a tag. Good luck!

I'm just hoping he sees a deer, and gets a shot off at it. That would make my whole season.

Yep, I could care less how I do. I like seeing friends/family do well.....

View · by **DitchDR** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 3:27 pm

I took a woman that I work with for her first ever deer hunt last year. She went on the hunter apprentice. So she paid for the regular deer license and then the hunter apprentice. Then we had to hunt togerther, not that I would have sent her on her own anyway.

View · by **Anokamnman** on Mon Oct 01, 2012 7:30 pm

My wife just recently decided that she wants to hunt for sure this year. She realized she can't find a hunters safety course. So she will also be doing the apprentice hunter. Glad I built a big stand. 8x8. Plenty of room. She already picked up her tag.

View · by **Dakotared** on Tue Oct 02, 2012 8:24 am

My Hunter safety is on the back of my DL. I am not sure how it got there as I took the class when I was 11. I just assumed that it was somehow on every ones that has taken the class.