Lawmakers want to make changes to youth bear hunting day

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - A GOP lawmaker in Maine wants to allow adults to carry a firearm while hunting bears with kids.

Currently, licensed junior hunters can hunt bear with a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow on Maine*s youth bear hunting day.

But parent, guardians and adult supervisors aren*t allowed to hold a firearm while accompanying the young hunter.

Republican Sen. Andre Cushing*s bill as published online would allow such adults to possess a firearm while supervising the young person.

Maine like dozens of other states doesn*t have a minimum age to purchase a junior hunting license. Hunters under the age of 10 must be under the effective control of an adult supervisor who must remain very close.

The bill is scheduled for a Tuesday hearing.