for the purpose of hunting. If so, would you please give me details?
2007-12-13 01:57:04 · 22 answers · asked by Shilo 7 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
skaizun - this is a follow-up question to a Video clip on Yahoo News of a 5 year old shooting a 445 lb bear in Arkansas. It was reported in such a way as to glorify & reinforce this behavior. I have no intention of moving. -sorry to have pushed your suspicious button.
2007-12-13 02:34:03 · update #1
Terry - no diatribe will be forthcoming - I assure you.
2007-12-13 04:04:54 · update #2
JD - ty for your intelligent and helpful response. Coming from a gun store owner/broker, it has taken the edge off this obssessive anxiety I have been feeling over this matter.
2007-12-13 05:50:56 · update #3
***Usually I am decisive when choosing Best Answer, but this one is too full of emotional charge for me to decide. I will put it to the voters. Thank you to all who provided informative answers!!!!
2007-12-14 02:35:42 · update #4
Since you don't give the name of the state in which you live (assuming you live in the US), here is a comprehensive list of both federal and state laws concerning both gun purchase and possession (for both handguns and long guns):
http://www.lcav.org/content/minimum_age_purchase_possess.pdf
2007-12-13 02:13:28 · answer #1 · answered by Tom L 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It should be noted that some aspects of gun culture do not apply the same in other countries as in the United States. Gun politics in Australia consists of just the two sides of gun control versus the gun rights of sportsmen, with no inclusion on the gun rights side of self-defence rights as in America, as there is no Second Amendment equivalent. Nonetheless, there are sizeable portions of rural Australia, extending over three Australian states, in which a well-established gun culture exists. In Australia, the minimum age for owning or purchasing a gun with a permit is 18. Those aged 12-17 may have a junior licence to shoot under supervision and is usually updated to a full licence when turning 18.
Likewise, gun culture is significantly different in the UK. It is currently an offence for anyone to be in possession of one without a valid licence or reason, and there are few reasons considered valid.
In New Zealand, the minimum age for possessing a firearms or gun licence is 16. At this age, one may legally own a gun. New Zealanders can also own fully automatic weapons with a license, though this is restricted to collectors and security personnel.
In Japan lawful ownership of firearms is rare and difficult, though there is some hunting and sport shooting.
2007-12-13 10:03:02 · answer #2 · answered by cosmicmicroatom 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Arkansas, United States
Age 18 for long guns
Age 21 for handguns and handgun ammo
Added....
I see you have added that this is about the 5 year old hunter. Let me clarify a few things.
The ages I listed are the ages at which you can purchase guns. If under the supervision of a licensed hunter whom is either exempt from hunters education or whom has completed hunters education a minor may use and hunt with a rifle.
This young man is from my home state. I can almost assure you that this young man will become a responsible and productive adult without any criminal record. His father and grandfather are good men for teaching the youth responsibility, self control, patience, and ethics.
2007-12-13 10:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by evo741hpr3 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You ask about a person "possessing" a gun. This is totally different from purchasing or owning one. In my state (Wis.) a person can legally purchase a hunting license, and therefore possess a gun for hunting at 12 years of age. For target shooting there is no minimum age, however, anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by and directly under the supervision of an adult over the age of 21 any time they are in possession of a firearm. In addition anyone born on or after Jan 1st, 1973 must have passed an NRA approved hunter education course to purchase a hunting license in Wis.
2007-12-13 10:35:37 · answer #4 · answered by brddg1974 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Federal Law requires a person to be 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun, and 21 years of age to purchase a Handgun. Most states allow children to hunt with adult supervision at age 12 once they taken a required Hunters Safety Course. This is not all states however, and there is a difference obviously between purchasing a firearm and just using one for hunting purposes....I guess we will hear soon how this 5 year old was legally able to shoot this Bear, as I've heard nothing about a license at all..Just the fact that his Grandpap "supervised" this youngster during the hunt and subsequent "shot".......
*JANET..You are welcome ..I am only sorry that others misunderstood you motives or concerns in regards to this situation.......
2007-12-13 12:15:30 · answer #5 · answered by JD 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In Wisconsin you can possess a gun to go hunting at the age of 12 if you have passed a hunter safety course. Legally you can not purchase a gun until the age of 18, or 21 for a handgun.
So I guess when I was 12 and took money that I earned myself and went to the Coast to Coast hardware store and bought my first shotgun (my mother was with me) that maybe I didn't legally own the gun, but it was my gun.
2007-12-13 12:02:16 · answer #6 · answered by countryguyhfc 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All States can regulate the minimum age at which a person can possess a gun for any purpose, and the same is true of towns and cities. Some exceptions are made for those using guns on private property, but, usually, only on large, wooded estates. Regardless, all guns are regulated by Federal law.
Since you ask for everyone to give their States' laws in detail, the obvious question is, what do you intend to do with that information? Move to the State having the least regulation? Sounds a little suspicious to me, but then I'm the suspicious type, and I'm sure your question is totally innocent! ;)
2007-12-13 10:22:31 · answer #7 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
JD is right.
The age at which a person can "PURCHASE" is different then use.
I purchased a 20 gauge shotgun in my name for my 12 yr old daughter.. Her and I trap shoot and bird hunt together. The gun has a Form 4473 with my name on it, not hers.
She had to take a Hunter Safety course in our state in order to hunt with me, and in order to carry a firearm in the field.
There are kids younger that do go hunting with their parents and do harvest game, they have to abide by the same game laws as the big people.
Our state game commissions offers youth mentored hunts for kids as young as 8.. That does not preclude a hunter from getting a harvest permit for a bear in his state and allowing his five year old from taking the shot.
ATF regs for PURCHASE - Age 18 for Long Guns
Age 21 for Hand Guns
2007-12-13 14:58:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The key word in your question is "possess".
In all states in the US by federal law, you must be 18 to purchase a long gun and 21 to purchase a handgun.
Most states also have laws that support the federal law.
This does not apply to hunting or shooting with an adult supervising. Here, state laws vary widely.
2007-12-13 16:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by DJ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Im happy to say we can own guns in our country and the law I hope will never change for the US.
The age is 18 years old to own a firearm for hunting.
2007-12-13 10:16:55 · answer #10 · answered by 2gadoo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes 18 to 21
2007-12-13 11:20:14 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋