OCR Text |
Show aid in the enforcement of them. It was noted that a major share of accidents and deaths,, aside from vandalism and destroyed property, are a direct result of illegal use of guns by juveniles. A Reminder on Use of Firearms A reminder covering the illegal use of guns by juveniles was issued this week by the department of fish and game, as department law enforcement records showed a sharp increase in the incidents where these laws are being violated. Department field reports indicate that many doting parents and guardians are allowing youngsters to go afield alone in direct violation of the law. Utah law provides that no one under the age of 14 years may own a gun, nor may they use, or hunt with a gun before reaching the age of 14 years unless accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older. Further provisions of the law subject the parent or guardian to arrest and prosecution for contributing to the delinquency of a minor where they permit the juvenile to violate this and other laws. Spokesmen noted that intent of this legislative law was to provide for a period in which juveniles might be taken afield by some one of legal age so they might be taught safe gun handling and good hunting practices before reaching the age when they go afield alone. Upon reaching 14 years of age the juvenile may then hunt for non-game creatures without license and without adult supervision. super-vision. If properly licensed at 14 and 15 years of age he may hunt for game birds in season but again only when accompanied accom-panied by someone of legal age. At 16 years of age the juvenile is considered adult insofar as the state fish and game laws are concerned and may then purchase and use the regular adult fish and game licenses. The department in citing the foregoing urged everyone concerned with the youth of the state to respect these laws and |