Wisconsin’s Youth Deer Hunt Days are Just Around the Corner

For the last two years I have been able to take my oldest daughter on my deer hunting trips in Iowa. So far, she has only worn blaze orange and tracked with me as a spotter. She has a keen eye for movement, much better than my eyes which seem to need thicker lenses each year. It's been a joy to watch her learn about how and why my family has always hunted, and it gives her an opportunity take some of that self-reliance into her future. Youth deer season is currently running in Iowa until October 6th, but in Wisconsin they are just getting geared up to roll.

In fact, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting young hunters to participate in the upcoming Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunt, scheduled for Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th. This special event gives hunters aged 15 and younger, both residents and nonresidents, the chance to learn deer hunting in a safe, supportive environment.

Get our free mobile app

The youth hunt allows young hunters to use a gun, bow, or crossbow across most Deer Management Units (DMUs), except in Menominee County or state parks. A gun deer hunting license is required, and the bag limit includes one buck and additional antlerless deer, depending on the harvest authorizations for the zone and land type. The event is timed before the traditional nine-day gun season, giving young hunters the opportunity to hunt when deer are less pressured.

To participate, youth hunters must be accompanied by a mentor. For hunters under 12 or ages 12-15 without hunter education certification, the mentor must be at least 18, a hunter education graduate, and licensed. The mentor must remain within arm’s reach. Youth hunters aged 12-15 who have completed hunter education may hunt with a mentor who is 18 or older, but does not need to be a licensed hunter or a hunter education graduate. In this case, the mentor must stay within both visual and voice contact. A mentor can supervise no more than two youth hunters at a time.

Safety is paramount during the youth hunt, and participants must follow the TAB-K safety rules:

• Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

All hunters must wear blaze orange or pink above the waist for visibility. It's the law and it's meant to keep you safe from other hunters. If you do bag the "big one" make sure to fill out a first harvest or experience certificate to commemorate your big day in Wisconsin.

This youth hunting season offers a perfect opportunity for young hunters to gain experience, just like my daughter has, under the guidance of skilled mentors. The goal is education and building a lifelong connection to your local hunting traditions.