Wyoming Game and Fish officials say since the hunter mentor program was begun in 2008, thousands of hunters, both youth and adult have taken advantage of the program.

Spokesman Al Langston says the Hunter Mentor Program provides opportunities for anyone required to have hunter safety to try hunting prior to completing hunter education certification. Since the program was implemented, 6,054 individuals of varying ages have been mentored through the program. With few exceptions, hunter education is required of persons born after 1965 to participate in hunting activities using firearms.

Anyone who plans to hunt in Wyoming can participate, but youth must be at least 12 years of age to hunt big game.

In 2014, the parameters of the Hunter Mentor Program were changed to allow those enrolled to re-enroll in subsequent years. The change also let mentors to take multiple immediate family mentors afield at the same time.

More From KGAB