(1) An apprentice hunter must be accompanied by a mentor while hunting. The mentor must:

(a) meet the requirements of 87-2-810, MCA;

(b) possess a completed department-issued designation form;

(c) only accompany one apprentice at a time;

(d) remain within direct voice contact with the apprentice without the use of enhancement or transmittal devices, except prescription hearing aids; and

(e) remain within direct sight of the apprentice without the use of any magnifying or enhancing aids except prescription eyewear.

(2) Section 87-2-810, MCA, states a person cannot obtain an apprentice hunting certificate upon completion of a hunter safety course. For the apprentice hunter certificate, completion of a hunter safety and education course is defined as:

(a) passing a state-approved hunter education course including the required test and field day; and

(b) reaching 12 years of age by January 16 of the license year.

(3) Apprentice hunters 15 years of age or younger are allowed to hunt during any specified statewide youth season as provided in the regulations.