Plan to Take a Kid Hunting this Fall

Youth hunts for deer have been greatly expanded for the coming season across most of southern Idaho. Hunters who were 15 years old or younger on January 1, 2001 will be able to take a deer of either sex in 27 hunts where bucks-only has been the norm. The youth hunts are designed to make family hunting convenient and to encourage mentoring of young hunters by experienced hunters. Most of the youth either-sex deer hunts coincide with general buck hunts. Youth hunts have been expanded since they were begun several years ago and have proven popular with Idaho's hunting families. Special waterfowl and pheasant hunts have been designated for youth in recent years, as well as the deer hunts. Lonn Kuck, Fish and Game big game manager, commented that this is an excellent time to expand youth deer hunting seasons. After a series of mild winters, carryover of deer is at the highest since 1992 over most of the southern part of the state. Fish and Game Commissioners approved expansion of youth deer hunts when they met in Boise March 14-16. Commissioners have been outspoken in their support for hunting opportunities for youths and for making it easier for young hunters to learn from experienced mentors.