Hunting to be Restricted by New Age Limits, Education Requirements- Fiction!
Summary of eRumor:
Reports alleged that the federal government plans to restrict hunting in 2015 by requiring that all hunters are at least 21 years old and participate in a mandatory hunter safety education program.
The Truth:
This eRumor is a hoax.
State agencies will continue to oversee the majority of hunting and fishing activities under federal law in 2015. State conservation agencies have published information about 2014-2015 hunting regulations, and no major changes have been listed.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) uses financial incentives to encourage states to develop conservation programs that meet national and international standards under federal law. The agency does, however, have jurisdiction when it comes to specific things like federal refuges, migratory birds and endangered species.
In areas that fall under federal jurisdiction, hunter safety education requirements and age restrictions are already in place. Hunters born after 1968 have to carry a valid hunter education card with them, and children younger than 16 have to be accompanied by an adult who is older than 21, according to federal regulations.
The Nation Report, a satirical website, published this false report on October 27, 2014. It was quickly shared more than 10,000 times on Facebook.
Posted 10/31/14