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LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging all young hunters, ages 14-16, to participate in the special youth firearm deer season coming up September 23-24 on private land throughout Michigan. Each youth will be allowed to take one deer with a license.
Conservation organizations in Michigan have expressed concerns about the declining national trend in hunter numbers and recommended a special youth hunt as an opportunity to provide training and mentoring to help develop interest, skills and safety awareness of beginning hunters.
"Mentoring our youth about hunting is an important part of a successful youth hunting program," said Wildlife Division Chief Rebecca Humphries. "This special weekend hunt can provide mentors the opportunity to teach, share experiences and help instill a respect in our young people for animals and their habitat."
The DNR scheduled the event in late September for several reasons.
It offers 14- to 16-year-olds an opportunity to hunt on a weekend since the regular firearm deer season generally opens on weekdays when schools are in session.
The weather in late September is not as cold as mid-November, which might deter them from hunting.
Adults are more likely to be available to mentor when they are not hunting themselves.
Youths must rely more on hunting skills since they may not use bait during the special youth deer season.
Landowner respect is fostered since private landowners control who, where, what and when a youth may hunt deer.
All young hunters participating in this special hunt must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. The accompanying adult, acting as the mentor, is prohibited from carrying a firearm or bow during the special youth firearm deer season.
Uploaded: 9/19/2000
Uploaded: 9/19/2000