Hunting for kids.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

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With video games, television and MySpace competing for the attention of America's youth, the number of kids interested in patrolling the woods with bows and rifles is in decline. From a peak of 16.5 million in 1975, hunting licenses today are down to 14.5 million nationwide. This trend is a concern for lawmakers since wildlife agencies rely heavily on fees from hunting licenses.

Adopting a "hook 'em while they're young" strategy, since 2005, 15 states--Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington--have passed legislation establishing some sort of hunting mentorship or apprenticeship program. These programs usually drop the minimum age to allow unlicensed young hunters to practice the sport if accompanied by a licensed adult.

The hope is to reverse the 30-year...