Youth Deer Gun Season Kicks Off Friday

 Oct. 17 is the day many young hunters are awaiting. That Friday will be opening day for this year's

three-day youth deer gun season for hunters 17 and younger.
   "This year's youth deer gun season has the potential to be a great one," said Erik Bartholomew, big-game biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The fact that this season happens earlier in the year than other seasons is often a benefit for youth hunters.
   "The youth deer gun season is set up so that kids can have a good time in the field. Deer are still in their summer feeding routines and are easy to pattern. And temperatures in October tend to be mild, and that makes for a more comfortable hunt," he said.
   "Since the deer aren't moving as much as they would be during the rut, the kids should have a good chance to set up on a known area and get an opportunity to harvest a deer."
   The youth season is open to hunters 17 and younger who are accompanied in the field by an adult who is 18 or older. The adult is permitted to archery hunt while accompanying the youth hunter, but the adult may not hunt with a firearm.
   Youths have generally had good success during this early season, which is a testament to the mentors who are taking the youths hunting, allowing them be successful.
   Bartholomew urged mentors to take the youth hunters to scout out hunting areas before heading out on opening day.

   "This is a fun way to get your kids outside and to learn about deer hunting. Take them scouting, and make it an experience.
   "Point out the tracks, drop-pings, scrapes and rubs. Let them help you set up a blind, cut brush and conceal it. Make it a chance for them to learn about your passion for deer hunting!"
   As the parent of a young deer hunter, Bartholomew offered some tips from experience. "Make sure that you bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep kids happy. I know snacks are important!
   "Also consider that the kids can move around a lot. Ground blinds are great for kids because they can mask a lot of movement that might otherwise spook the deer.
   "Make sure that you practice scenarios with a young hunter, such as shot placement and shooting from a blind. This will help those young hunters have success. And for them, success means they will want to do it again!
   "Remember, it is about passing on the traditions that we as adults enjoy so that they can do so in the future."
   Youth hunters may harvest two deer during youth deer gun season, and one of those may be antlered. A deer license is required for each deer hunted, which means youth hunters wanting to harvest two deer can buy three deer licenses (one antlered and two antlerless) to maximize their opportunity. Additionally, resident youth hunters who do not harvest a deer during the youth deer gun season may use their unfilled youth deer gun license during the regular deer gun season. Hunters who do harvest a deer during the youth deer gun season may buy another youth deer gun license and harvest a deer during the regular gun season.
   In specified counties, youth hunters may also harvest a turkey during youth deer gun season, provided they have the appropriate fall turkey license. See the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide for details.
   Deer taken by hunters participating in youth deer gun season are included in the hunter's combined season limit (six deer, of which no more than two may be antlered). If a youth harvests a buck during the youth deer gun season, that youth can harvest another buck during either the regular gun season, archery season or muzzleloader season, for an overall total of two.
   Oklahoma youths 15 and younger are exempt from the purchase of a hunting license but must possess a youth deer gun license or apprentice-designated youth deer gun license or proof of exemption.
   Residents who are 16 or 17 years old must possess a hunting license or proof of exemption, plus a youth deer gun license for each deer hunted. A $5 youth hunting license or a $9 youth combination hunting and fishing license is available to 16 and 17-year-old residents, and resident youth deer gun licenses are $10.
   Youths can hunt with an apprentice-designated hunting license as long as they are accompanied by a licensed hunter who is 18 or older and hunter education certified or exempt from certification. For complete details on the apprentice-designated hunting license, consult page 11 of the current "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide.
   For complete information on youth deer gun season regulations, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide online at wildlifedepartment.com, or in print at any hunting or fishing license vendor statewide.

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Oklahoma Youth deer gun season offers young hunters first shot

Youth hunters and their mentors have been heading to the woods for the youth deer gun season for an

entire decade now, and over the years this hunting opportunity has become an important part of Oklahoma's outdoor heritage. This year, the unique chance for youth to hunt deer with a firearm before anybody else runs Oct. 18-20.

     The youth deer gun season made its debut as a three-day antlerless hunt in 2003. Since then it has grown in popularity and has also become an opportunity for youth to hunt both bucks and does in the same season, enjoying a limit of two deer (no more than one of which can be a buck). Last year, youth gun season hunters harvested almost 5,000 deer.
     The youth season is open to hunters under 18 years of age who are accompanied by a hunter 18 years or older. 

     "The youth deer gun season is a win-win for Oklahoma," says Erik Bartholomew, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "It provides an opportunity for youth to go hunting and emphasizes mentorship in the sport of hunting. It's also good practice for the regular deer gun season because if they don't harvest a deer, they can use their unfilled youth deer gun license during the regular deer gun season in November."

     Hunters who do harvest a deer during the youth deer gun season may purchase another youth deer gun license and harvest a deer during the regular gun season. Complete details and regulations for the season, including information about the apprentice-designated hunting license that allows certain youth to hunt without having first completed the Oklahoma hunter education course, can be found online atwildlifedepartment.com or anywhere hunting licenses are sold.   

     A detailed guide to participating during the youth deer gun season is printed in the current issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, and a link to the article is provided at the end of this report. Outdoor Oklahoma magazine is the official magazine of the Wildlife Department and focuses on information pertaining to hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation in Oklahoma.

     "Along with getting the annual "Big Game Report" article, subscribers get a lot of other news and details about Oklahoma's outdoors from Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, which makes it a great gift for any youth hunter you might be mentoring during the youth deer gun season," said Michael Bergin, associate editor of Outdoor Oklahoma. "It's just $10 a year."

     Subscriptions to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine are available by calling 1-800-777-0019. 

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Click here to see the article in the current issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine that guides youth hunters and their mentors in how to participate in the youth deer gun season.

Click here and scroll to page 16 to see full regulations for the 2013 youth deer gun season in the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."

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IOWA’S FIRST DEER HUNTING SEASONS BEGIN SEPT. 21

The first two Iowa deer hunting seasons begin September 21, when the youth season and disabled hunter season open statewide. The youth season is an opportunity for a mentor to

provide a positive, one-on-one experience without competition from other hunters.

Mentors should strive to make the time in the field a positive, enjoyable experience. Harvesting a deer is actually a bonus and should not define if the hunt was ultimately successful or not. Mentors should keep in mind that the youth will not likely have the patience, stamina or skills of the mentor.

Hunters should focus on areas like clover fields, soybeans that are still green, timber with oak trees dropping acorns or along trails connecting bedding areas to food or water sources to increase their chance of seeing a deer.

Hunters should also be prepared to deal with warm weather. This means having something to drink and being prepared to process any deer quickly by getting the deer to a locker or skinning and boning the deer out and getting it in a cooler and on ice. 

Iowa residents who are younger than 16 on the day they buy their license are eligible for the youth season.  If they turn 16 prior to using the youth license, they must buy a hunting license and habitat fee. All Youth season hunters must be accompanied by an adult mentor.  Only one youth may accompany each adult mentor.

In 2012, nearly 9,700 youths and 290 disabled hunters harvested more than 3,900 deer. Youth hunters may hunt with a bow, shotgun or muzzleloader. Blaze orange is required for hunters using firearms. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Any deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting the kill is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities.  Hunters can report their deer on the DNR websitewww.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.  For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of your harvest is the easiest way to register your deer.

North Dakota Deer Season for Young Hunters Opens Sept. 20

Friday, Sept. 20 at noon signals the start of a nine-and-a-half day deer hunting season for youth ages 12-15.

Licensed residents ages 12 and 13, and 11-year-olds who turn age 12 in 2013, are allowed to hunt statewide, but only for antlerless white-tailed deer. Resident deer gun hunters age 14 or 15, and 13-year-olds who turn age 14 in 2013, with a “youth season” license, can hunt statewide for any deer, except antlerless mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F. In addition, a special license is required to hunt antlered mule deer in those same units.

After opening day, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Solid daylight fluorescent orange vests or coats, and hats are required for all young hunters and their adult mentors.

Each youth deer hunter must be under direct supervision of an adult while in the field.

In addition to the deer license, hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and hunting certificate.

The youth deer season closes Sunday, Sept. 29.

Oklahoma OUTDOOR CALENDAR

Image via Wikipedia

OUTDOOR CALENDAR
 
DECEMBER
 
1-Jan. 31, 2012: Pheasant Season. Only in open counties. For complete details and regulations, consult the “2011-2012 Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
10: Hackberry Flat: A Photographic Year-in-Review. Guest photographer Larry Hancock will be highlighting his year at Hackberry Flat with an exhibit of images. The exhibit will be held at the Hackberry Flat Center in Frederick.
 
10-January 22: Waterfowl days for Zone 1. For complete details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
10-January 29: Waterfowl days for Zone 2. For complete details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
15: Deadline to apply for the Oklahoma Furbearers Alliance trapper’s camp. Camp will be held Dec. 28-31 near Chickasha. Youth 12-18 years old are eligible; youth younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This will be an excellent opportunity for youth interested in trapping to gain hands-on experience from seasoned trappers in Oklahoma. The cost per youth is $25, which covers all meals for the event and includes a one-year membership in the OFBA and a one-year subscription to Trapper and Predator Caller Magazine. Adults can attend with their youngster as well at a cost of $20 to cover meals. Camping areas will be available on site. Call John Weygandt at (918) 645-5667 for more information. The event is limited to the first 35 participants.
 
16-25: Holiday Antlerless Season. Only in open zones Consult the 2011-2012 Hunting Regulations.
 
17: Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area Nature Center will be open from 9 am – 3 pm. The biologist on duty will be happy to visit with visitors about wildlife in the area or take a walk with you on the nature trail. For more information about these events email mhickman@zoo.odwc.state.ok.us or 405-990-4977.
 
26 & 27: State Offices Closed.

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Ohio's Youth Deer-Gun Hunting Season Set for November 19-20

Image via WikipediaCOLUMBUS, OH - Ohio's youth deer-gun hunting season will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The youth deer-gun season is open statewide to hunters 17 years old and younger. Plugged shotguns using slugs, muzzleloaders .38 caliber and larger, handguns .357 caliber or larger, and bows are legal. All participants must wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a $12 youth-deer permit, and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the field.

Last year youth hunters killed 8,445 deer during the two-day season. The Division of Wildlife anticipates more than 60,000 youth hunters will participate in the upcoming hunt.

Youth hunters can commemorate their achievement with a First Harvest certificate available at wildohio.com. Upload a photo and type in the youth hunter’s information and a certificate will be e-mailed within a few days to you for print.

Hunters can also share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com  and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

All other regularly scheduled hunting seasons will continue during the two-day youth season. However, other hunters, including deer-archery hunters, are required to wear hunter orange during this period.

This year, Ohio's deer-gun season runs November 28 through December 4, and the weekend of December 17-18. Details regarding Ohio's various hunting seasons, including those exclusively for young hunters, can be found in the 2011-12 Ohio Hunting Regulations or by visiting wildohio.com.

The 2011-2012 licenses are not printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women need to protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

Youth hunters that want to donate venison to the needy can do so at no cost. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. All hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

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Ohio: Special Youth Deer Hunt to be Offered at Hueston Woods State Park

Image via Wikipedia

COLLEGE CORNER, OHIO - Young deer hunters will be able to take advantage of a permit only Youth Deer Hunt at Hueston Woods State Park during the 2011 youth deer gun season. Hunters 17 years of age and younger, accompanied by a non-hunting adult, are eligible to apply to hunt specified zones within the park on November 19, 2011.

Registration for the drawing gets underway Saturday, November 5, 2011 beginning at 2:00p.m. The drawing will be held promptly at 3:00p.m. at the Hueston Woods State Park Office located at 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner 45003.  Driving directions may be obtained from the park at (513) 523-6347. Interested hunters may contact the Wildlife District Five Headquarters at (937) 372-9261, or Rush Run Wildlife Area at (513) 726-6795. All youth hunt information is posted at www.wildohio.com.

 
The non-hunting adult that will be accompanying the youth hunter on the hunt must enter the drawing. The permit will be issued in the adult’s name. If drawn, the youth hunter must purchase an Ohio hunting license and youth deer permit. 
 
The youth must hunt with a non-hunting adult within the zones specified on the permit.  All other rules and regulations must be followed. The permit is transferable; however, Rush Run Wildlife Area (513) 726-6795 must be notified of any changes prior to the hunt. 
 
The permit only hunt will occur on November 19, 2011. Hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

For information, contact:
Wildlife District Five Headquarters
(937) 372-9261
-or-
Rush Run Wildlife Area
(937) 726-6795

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Kansas: WESTAR ENERGY GREEN TEAM OFFERING YOUTH DEER HUNTS

Image via Wikipedia

December and January hunts for youth who have never harvested a deer; application deadline Nov. 2
ST. MARYS — During the regular firearms season — Nov. 30-Dec. 11 — and the extended antlerless whitetail season — Jan. 1-8, 2012 — Westar Energy's Green Team will offer guided deer hunts at Jeffrey Energy Center near St. Marys. The hunts are for youth 12 years and older who have not harvested a deer. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or mentor who, ideally, doesn't have deer hunting experience. The hunt will take place from blinds in mornings or afternoons during the rifle season. Experienced Westar Energy employees will serve as volunteer guides.

Antlerless deer harvest is encouraged (and only antlerless deer are legal during the January season). Youth will need a deer permit, but a hunter education certificate is not required if the youth is 15 or younger. Youth are encouraged to bring their own rifles, but rifles will be provided if needed.

A pre-hunt seminar covering safety, deer biology, and orientation to the area will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19. Rifles can be sighted in then, and guides will be available to answer questions.

Deer are abundant in this area, and success rates are always high. A permit valid in Unit 9 is required for every hunter, but a hunting license is only required for hunters 16 or older. Hunters 16 and older must also have completed a hunter education course. Applications for this hunt will be accepted through Nov. 4, with hunters notified by Nov. 7.

To apply, contact Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125.

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Ohio Hunters|Northwestern Ohio Special Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Drawings

Image via Wikipedia

Wildlife District Two Special Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Drawings

Waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in the following controlled waterfowl hunt drawings:
Pickerel Creek Opening Day Teal Hunt Drawing
This drawing will be for opening day of the early teal season.  Pending the season dates, if the second hunt day is on Labor Day, applicants will be drawn for that day also.  The morning drawing is open to adults and youth.  The afternoon drawing on opening day is reserved for youth only.  Hunters must send a 4” x 6” postcard to the Wildlife District Two Office; 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  Entries for the Teal / Early Goose drawing must have cards post marked by August 11.  Only one entry per hunter.   Include name, address and phone number on the card.  Postcards need to be labeled at the top for the particular hunt in which the hunter is applying (Adult Teal; Youth Teal).
Pickerel Creek Opening Day Waterfowl Hunt Drawing
This drawing will be for opening day of the regular waterfowl season.  The morning drawing is open to adults and youth.  The afternoon drawing on opening day is reserved for youth only.  Hunters must send a 4” x 6” postcard to the Wildlife District Two Office; 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  Entries for the opening day waterfowl hunt must have cards post marked by September 15.  Only one entry per hunter.   Include name, address and phone number on the card.  Postcards need to be labeled at the top for the particular hunt in which the hunter is applying (Adult Waterfowl; Youth Waterfowl).
Pipe Creek / East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
A special drawing will be held for both areas on Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 pm at the Osborn Park in Huron for permits to hunt the area during the special teal / early goose and the regular waterfowl seasons.  Registration will be from 5:00 pm to 6:20 pm.  Osborn Park is located at 3910 Perkins Ave.; Huron, OH 44839.
Magee Marsh Teal and Early Goose Drawing
A special drawing will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 2:00 pm at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for permits to hunt the area during the special teal / early goose season.  Registration will be from 12 noon to 1:45 pm.

Kansas Deer Hunters: 5TH ANNUAL TJ’S MEMORIAL YOUTH DEER HUNT SEPT. 10-11

Image via Wikipedia Youth ages 10-16 invited to participate in guided hunt
ELLIS — Thanks to the success of last year’s TJ’s Memorial Youth Deer Hunt, Hunting Heritage Group and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will host the 5th Annual TJ’s Memorial Youth Deer Hunt during the special youth and disabled hunting season. This year, the hunt will be held Sept. 10-11. Hunters will hunt from a blind with an experienced guide/mentor on private land that adjoins Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area, in Trego County. Two young hunters will hunt in specially-designated areas on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area.
The first morning will consist of classroom instruction along with a trip to the range to sight in rifles. Once rifles are sighted in and everyone has had lunch, guides and youth hunters will go afield. All hunters will return to the meeting area that evening. Those youth who are unsuccessful that day will be invited to hunt the following day.
Youth participants for this hunt must be residents of Kansas ages 10 through 16. In addition, candidates for the hunt must complete and submit an application form by August 13. Application forms may be obtained at the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us (type “TJ’s” in the search box) or by contacting Natural Resource Officer II Jason Hawman at 785-743-2942. There is no charge for the hunt.
Special hunts like this are part of the Kansas Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program called "PASS IT ON." This program addresses the need to recruit new hunters and retain existing hunters in order to ensure the future of hunting in Kansas.

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Kansas Hunters: FIRST SPECIAL HUNTS APPLICATION DEADLINE NEAR

Image via Wikipedia KDWP offers youth, novice hunts of a lifetime; first application deadline Aug. 15
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Special Hunts Program offers a variety of limited hunts, many designed to introduce youth and novices to hunting in an uncrowded setting with good opportunity for success. Three types of hunts are offered: youth hunts, mentor hunts, and open hunts.
New this year is that only youth will be able to apply for youth hunts. KDWPT will no longer consider an application from an applicant over the age restriction for a youth hunt. Mentors may apply for youth/mentor hunts. Open hunts are open to anyone, and some non-draw special hunts are also offered.
Also new this year is that applicants for draw hunts are required to choose the dates they want for special hunts. In the past, the choice of “Any” was offered, but this is no longer an option. Hunters must select the hunt dates that are offered.
The first application deadline — for special hunts in September and October — is midnight Aug. 14. A random drawing for these hunts will occur the week of Aug. 15, with email notification to successful applicants. The permit and map will be included with this email notification.
The application period for November, December, and January hunts will begin Sept. 1 and run through midnight Sept. 30, with the draw occurring the week of Oct. 3. Successful applicants for these hunts will also receive email notification with a permit and map.
Each special hunt targets specific game species, including doves, upland game, waterfowl, and deer. Some take place during the special youth/disabled deer season Sept. 10-18, some during the youth upland game season Nov. 5-6, and others during special youth waterfowl seasons, which have yet to be set. Still others occur during regular hunting seasons. Special hunts will be conducted in all regions of the state on both public and private land.
Youth hunts are generally open to hunters 15 or younger who must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, who may not hunt. Mentor hunts are open to youth 17 or younger or anyone who hasn’t hunted in the last three years, and each must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. Mentors may participate in mentor hunts. Requirements for each special hunt are outlined in the hunt narratives on the website.
Many veteran hunters find new satisfaction in serving as mentors, introducing a relative, friend, or neighbor to the wonder of the hunt in a wildlife-rich setting. Parents or grandparents may take children or grandchildren who have never hunted but are now showing an interest, but mentors and novices do not have to be related.
Hunter education is not required for youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older. However, persons 16 and older must have a hunting license and hunter education certification. Those 16 and older who do not have hunter education may still participate by obtaining a one-time apprentice hunting license, which exempts them from the hunter education requirement through the calendar year in which it is purchased.
For more detailed information or to apply, go online to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us and click "Hunting/Special Hunts Information." Those who do not have computer access may apply by telephone at 620-672-0791.

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