PIERRE - Kids as young as 10 could hunt under a bill that has received initial debate in the South Dakota Legislature.

Rep. Mike Buckingham of Rapid City is behind the measure. He says the state is at risk of losing a generation of hunters, and allowing kids to begin hunting at a younger age would help get them hooked.

HB1263 would allow a 10 year old to hunt without getting a license if the youngster is accompanied by a parent or guardian who has a license but is not hunting.

Testimony on the bill was not finished, however, and the House Agriculture Committee will resume consideration of it on Tuesday.

The current hunting age is 12 in South Dakota.