news
Youth deer hunters can anticipate a respectable deer population, and youth waterfowl hunters can look forward to high duck and resident Canada goose populations during upcoming youth hunting seasons, according to biologists from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
"Based on current available information, we anticipate a good deer hunting season," said Bill Jensen, department big game biologist.
The youth deer season opens at noon Sept. 22 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 1. The season is statewide, except for restricted licenses and units in western North Dakota. Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset except on opening day. Orange clothing is required for all youth deer season hunters.
Each youth deer hunter must be accompanied by at least one unarmed parent or guardian while in the field. "This one-on-one approach to teaching the skills and tradition of hunting is a well proven method," Jensen added. "It goes back to the dawn of time."
The two-day youth waterfowl season, set for Sept. 23-24, is one day longer than last year. "The additional day will allow hunters flexibility in the event of weather problems or scheduling conflicts," according to Mike Johnson, game and fish waterfowl biologist, "and allow for families to travel greater distances."
Legally licensed resident and nonresident youth waterfowl hunters age 15 and younger will be able to hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese statewide. "We expect to have a high number of birds in the state," Johnson said. "Duck numbers are at a near-record level."
The special early September Canada goose season that opened Sept. 2 will close Sept. 22, Johnson noted, so experienced adult hunters can devote all their attention to youth hunters. "The youth season provides a great opportunity for a waterfowler to introduce a young hunter to this great tradition."
Before a youth waterfowler takes to the field, Johnson suggests the following guidelines to make the hunt more enjoyable:
Scout potential hunting areas before the season.
Make contact with landowners to access hunting sites.
Sharpen shooting skills by practicing with clay pigeons.
Experienced hunters should spend time with a young hunter going over the regulations.
A waterfowl identification book is available from the department^s Bismarck office. Shooting hours for the youth waterfowl season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field.
The daily bag limit, including species restrictions, and all other regulations that apply to the regular duck and goose hunting seasons apply, including: all youth waterfowl hunters must be HIP certified by calling 1-888-634-4798; youth ages 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course; and a general game and habitat license is required.
Uploaded: 9/20/2000
Uploaded: 9/20/2000