Since the early 1990s the Bowhunters Association of Nova Scotia has taken on the task of getting youths more involved in the sport of bow hunting. Nova Scotia now has implemented small game hunting at the age of twelve as a direct result of these efforts. At the 1999 annual general meeting of the association, the membership furthered our youth involvement by allowing another type of member status.
The added membership is referred to as a 'sponsored member' whereby a youth is able to join for a 50% savings as a stand alone member. The youth must be sponsored by an adult member in good standing, may up to 15 years old but not 16 and will hold full member privledges. This is designed toward youths who do not have a parent or guardian within the Bowhunters Association of Nova Scotia but wish to become involved. The adult member may sponsor up to 2 youths who can not be family members. The sponsoring adult must be responsible and active in the guidance of the youth.
During times where costs seem to be on the rise constantly, it's difficult for our youth to get involved in too many activities where the dollar will make the decision. Many of our young bowhunters don't have a parent to help out due to single parent families, financial difficulties or busy life styles. We hope this will open a door for those wanting to know more, learn more and get involved in the sport of bowhunting.