Junior Deer Hunt Open

If you ask any big game hunter about the first animal they ever harvested, chances are it was a deer. And whether it was a whitetail or mule deer, buck or doe, the memory of that first hunt leaves an impression strong enough to make it seem like just yesterday no matter how many years have passed. It is these kinds of memories that the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game is hoping to leave with young hunters in the Salmon Region this fall. On September 1st a Youth Deer Hunt for junior hunters aged 12 - 17 opened on private property in every hunting unit in the Salmon Region except in units 27 and 36. The hunt is a short-range weapon hunt for any doe, either mule deer or white-tailed deer and will close December 31st. Private property was chosen for this hunt for a number of reasons. Safety was an important consideration for this hunt. Since the youth hunters will need to have permission to hunt on any private land, the number of hunters in any one area will be limited to what a landowner decides is appropriate. In addition, this hunt will help control deer numbers which will, in turn, reduce deer-vehicle accidents as well as reduce depredation on agricultural crops. One hundred permits are available for this hunt on a first-come, first-served basis. Young hunters must get written permission from a landowner in order to participate in the hunt. This will ensure that landowners can control the number of hunters on their property as well as access and times hunting will be allowed. Information packets are available at the Fish and Game office and youth hunters are encouraged to pick one up to learn about the hunt. In addition, landowners are encouraged to give permission to youth hunters for this hunt. Besides helping to reduce deer numbers on your property, you will also be helping young hunters on the road to being responsible hunters. If you are interested in allowing youth hunters on your property, please contact the Fish and Game office at 756-2271. You might just help create a lifelong memory.