Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Thursday overwhelmingly passed House Concurrent Resolution 9, sponsored by Representative Gail Phillips. HCR 9 names the second week in September each year as "Take a Young Person Hunting Week."

"This event is designed to help preserve Alaska's hunting heritage and to encourage Alaskan hunters to become knowledgeable in the areas of sportfishing and hunting," Phillips said. "Naming a special week also compliments the Hunter Education and Shooting Sports program funded by the 20th Legislature."

"During this special week, we want to encourage experienced hunters to pass along to our children hunting skills, gun safety awareness, and the benefits responsible and ethical hunter behavior bring to ourselves and to Alaska," Phillips said.

The vote in the Senate was 18-2 and Notice of Reconsideration was filed, so the measure is scheduled to come up for another vote Friday. HCR 9 passed the House unanimously during the 1st Session of the 21st Legislature.