New Effort to Develop Young Hunters While the majority of states permit youth hunting, 23 states restrict the age a person can hunt big game, something a new campaign called "Start 'Em Young" will try to change by working with leaders in these states to lift limits on youth hunting opportunities. "Start 'Em Young" is being sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “Introducing our children to hunting is important for several reasons,” said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. “First, hunting allows families to spend time outdoors and share quality time together. Second, research shows that those who start hunting early in life are more likely to hunt as adults. We need those future hunters to shoulder the costs and responsibilities of conserving the country’s wildlife and wildlife habitat after we’re gone.” Among the 23 states that restrict the age a person can hunt, 16 require kids to be at least 12 years old before they can hunt big game. New York, which is the most restrictive, prevents children under 16 years of age from hunting big game with a firearm. “This program will pave the way for hunters to serve as mentors, giving young people a greater chance to spend time outside and enjoy the tradition of hunting," said Doug Painter, president and CEO of NSSF.