Upcoming seasons for youth to hunt

Youth free hunting days for 2011 are Sept. 3-4 and Nov. 26-27. Any resident age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt, and accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age, can take any legal game in season during these youth free hunting days. The youth hunter does not have to possess a hunting license, HIP number or any state stamp but must comply with all other hunting regulations. To hunt waterfowl, all persons 16 years or older must have a Federal duck stamp.

The accompanying adult must be in close enough proximity to monitor and commu­nicate with the youth hunter at all times and may assist the youth hunter, including calling, but may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow. The accompanying adult must possess a valid hunting license, unless exempted from need­ing a license.

Youth Deer Season is Sept. 24 and 25. Youth age 17 and younger on the date of the hunt, and accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age, can take either an antlered or antlerless deer. If the youth hunter takes an antlered deer during the youth deer season, the youth cannot take another antlered deer during the normal deer seasons (i.e., firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons). The youth hunter must possess a valid license to take deer (resident youth hunt/trap, non-resident youth deer, or lifetime comprehensive), and the accompanying adult must also possess a valid hunting license of any type while in the field with the youth hunter. The youth hunter must comply with all deer hunting regulations, including tagging and checking it in at a deer check station within 48 hours of the take. The youth hunter and accompanying adult must wear hunter orange.

The youth hunter may use a legal firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow to take the deer. The accompanying adult cannot take a deer and may not possess a firearm, muzzleloader, bow and arrow or crossbow while in the field with the youth hunter.

Youth Hunting & Trapping Events Held at Fish & Wildlife Areas: Events held on any Division of Fish & Wildlife property that involve handling and shooting of firearms will be strictly organized and conducted by responsible, experienced adults. They will be paired with young participants to constantly monitor their actions while they are holding, handling and shooting firearms. They will act as mentors to teach firearm safety and safe hunting practices. Go here to see the list of events by property www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2701.htm.


For more information: Kevin Hoffman, Division of Fish & Wildlife, (317) 234-5904, khoffman@dnr.in.gov.