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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota lawmakers have approved a proposal intended to get more young people interested in hunting.

It says the Game and Fish Department must set up an online hunter safety training course. It's a more convenient way to get the training a person needs to get a hunting license.

It allows 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt antlerless deer during North Dakota's youth hunting season. Right now the minimum age is 14.

And it provides an "apprentice hunter" license for adults.

They may use it to go hunting once with an experienced hunter without having safety training.

Mandan Rep. Todd Porter says the bill should help increase the number of hunters in North Dakota. It now goes to Gov. John Hoeven.

The bill is SB2165.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-27-09 1026CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list