Outdoors and Free
By BOB HARRIS
Friday, October 16, 2009
Volume 3, Issue 32

New Hampshire Youth Deer Hunt - October 24 and 25, 2009

In order to help keep our American hunting heritage alive, it is important that we introduce our youngsters to the sport of hunting. New Hampshire has several programs that offer adults the chance to do so. The New Hampshire Youth Deer Hunt Weekend is set for Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2009. This special weekend gives young people, statewide, the opportunity to go deer hunting with an adult mentor and without the pressure of having to compete with thousands of adult hunters afield. It is a great opportunity get youth interested in hunting.

Accompanying adults must be licensed hunters and are not allowed to carry a firearm. This is so that they can devote all of their time and attention to coaching their young companions. Nonresident youth may also participate in New Hampshire’s Youth Deer Weekend, only if their state of residence allows New Hampshire youth to participate in its youth deer hunt.


Alisha Hamilton age 9 with her father Randy

According to Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader for New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, prospects for this year’s youth season are good. Kent states, “New Hampshire’s deer population is healthy and will provide excellent opportunities and memorable experiences for young hunters this year.” In 2008, young hunters took 341 deer during the youth weekend, with deer being taken in all 18 of New Hampshire’s Wildlife Management Units.

“The weekend is a great chance to introduce young people, under the careful guidance of an experienced adult, to deer hunting,” Gustafson said. “You can build bonds for a lifetime while tracking a whitetail through the autumn woods or deciphering the sounds of the forest from a tree stand. We hope hunters will spend the weekend with their sons and daughters, grandchildren or young friends, helping them to learn what hunting is all about.” Gustafson notes that hunting can also help youngsters learn about the environment, conservation, tradition and ethics, and gain an appreciation for the wildlife and wild places of New Hampshire.

The following rules apply during New Hampshire’s Youth Deer Hunting Weekend:

  1. Youths must be under 16 years of age.

  2. Open to residents and nonresident youths. Nonresident youths are eligible only if their state of residence allows New Hampshire youths to participate in its youth hunt.

  3. Youths must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.

  4. Adults who accompany youth hunters must possess a current hunting license and may not carry a firearm or assist in taking the deer other than to supervise.

  5. Each licensed adult may accompany up to two youths under 16 years of age.

  6. A deer of either sex is legal statewide during the weekend hunt.

  7. Youths are entitled to their own bag limit of game. Any deer taken shall constitute the one deer allowed by muzzleloader or regular firearms per year.

  8. All deer taken must be registered, as required during the regular deer season. Youths should tag their deer using the tag provided inside the current N.H. Hunting Digest booklet.

  9. Youths and accompanying adults must comply with all Fish and Game laws relative to hunting deer.

Hopefully, you will be able to share your love of hunting with a youth during New Hampshire’s Youth Deer Hunting Weekend this year. It’s a great opportunity and will help getting another generation interested in continuing our great hunting heritage and keeping it alive. New Hampshire has offered a special youth deer hunt since 1999. The state also offers youth weekends for waterfowl hunting in the early fall and for turkey i n the spring.



Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

 

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DISCLAIMER:  The opinions expressed by Mr. Harris are not necessarily those of the Goffstown Residents Association or its members


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