By: Clyde
Stephens
MN
QDMI is excited to announce the newest deer season in Minnesota. It’s
officially called a youth deer season
and these are the details. Kids ages 12 through 14 are eligible for a 2-day
antlerless rifle hunt scheduled for Oct 23rd and 24th. The
hunt will take place in 5 Counties in Northwest Minnesota – Roseau, Kittson,
Lake of the Woods, Marshal and Pennington. This is an extra hunt; these same
kids will be able to hunt in the traditional November rifle season. This is a
new hunt with a new set of rules. For further information see the 2004 Hunting
and Trapping Regulations handbook, page 82.A non-hunting adult must accompany
all hunters.
MN
QDMI, MN DNR and MDHA have teamed up to encourage all hunting camps and
landowners within this 5 County area to participate in mentoring this hunt. This
is a perfect way to introduce young hunters to the great sport of deer hunting
in a safe an ethical manner, while at the same time giving landowners the chance
to have some excess deer removed earlier than normal. We are forming a contact
list to connect landowners with potential hunters that is available on our web
site www.mnqdm.com.
The benefits continue;
1)
More
moderate temperatures should allow for enjoyment.
2)
The
success rate (shot opportunities) should be high.
3)
Through
mentoring these kids will learn why they are taking antlerless deer and not just
focusing primarily on bucks. Education is the key.
4)
It will
provide a big step in reducing herd numbers and balancing the buck to doe ratio.
5)
Adults
usually would have more time to focus on the kids than during the November rifle
season.
This
NW Minnesota youth deer season has the potential to be the biggest youth hunt to
date in Minnesota by far. By becoming involved as a mentor you will be part of
something that will not only be very satisfying, but hopefully very successful.