Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunts

MADISON - Two special deer hunting opportunities continue to provide an excellent opportunity for youth and disabled hunters to experience the outdoors, learn from mentors, and create lasting relationships with landowners and friends throughout the state.

This year's youth hunt gave hunters ages 10-15 an opportunity to get a hands-on introduction to hunting with help from experienced adult hunters. One hunter in particular from Medford, Wis., Collin Rausch, and his father, Brandon Rausch, used the youth hunt to create lasting memories.

Before he got a look at what would be his first deer, the younger Rausch saw a porcupine wandering near his hunting blind. After a group of deer entered the area, he stayed patient and waited for the right opportunity to shoot with help from his dad.

"One thing I have always stressed with Collin is to wait for the right shot," said Brandon Rausch. "After about 10 minutes of patiently waiting, he chose his target and made a great shot."

Collin harvested his first deer, a doe, while learning an important lesson.

"Youth deer hunting weekend helps ensure that young hunters get the quality training they need for lifelong participation," said Adam Murkowski, DNR assistant big game ecologist.

For more information regarding youth hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "youth hunt."

Disabled Deer Hunt

More than 100 landowners in 46 counties enrolled their land in the 2015 disabled deer hunt, which ran from Oct. 3-11. The disabled hunt has continued to provide opportunities for disabled hunters to work closely with landowners to deer hunt in Wisconsin, and feedback from hunters and cooperators alike has been positive.

"The department remains grateful to the many landowners, organizations and volunteers who work hard to provide this high quality experience. Without their help and dedication these opportunities wouldn't be available to many hunters," said Murkowski.

Landowners interested in enrolling their property to host a disabled deer hunt in the future should do so by June 1, 2016. Assistance to disabled hunters and landowners may also be possible in certain parts of the state through organizations dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for disabled persons.

For more information, search the DNR website for keywords "disabled deer hunt."

Related articles

• North Dakota landowners Seek Doe Hunters (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Ohio hunters will soon be forced to 'pay to play' (farmanddairy.com)
• Youth Deer Hunting Day scheduled for Saturday (wcti12.com)