The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s apprentice-designated hunting license allows hunters ages 10 to 35-years-old to go hunting with the company of a mentor without first completing a hunter education course.

Mentors must be licensed, education certified hunters 21-years-old or older, or a mentor that is exempt from hunter education requirements. Exempt mentors must be members of the National Guard, honorably discharged or active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and 36-years-old and up.

“Our apprentice-designated hunting license is extremely popular because it allows new hunters to get out in the field, even if they aren’t able to get to a hunter education class in time for hunting season,” Mike Chrisman, license supervisor for the Wildlife Department, said. “If you are an avid hunter, and you want to take someone new with you, the apprentice designation helps you do that.”

Apprentice hunters may hunt big game with an apprentice-designated hunting license as long as the mentor hunter meets the specified qualifications and remain within arm’s reach or close enough to take immediate control of the firearm or archery equipment. For small game, mentor hunters must remain in sight of the apprentice and both parties must be able to communicate in a normal voice without the aid of any communication device. When a license is not required (residents under 16 years of age, nonresidents under 14 years of age), the apprentice hunter still must be accompanied according to Outdoor News Daily.