Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
MICHAEL YUCHASZ, 12, takes aim as instructor Gary Kusz supervises during a recent Gogebic County 4-H Youth Shooting program, which teaches safe shooting techniques. The program was held over the summer for individuals under 18 years old at the Superior Range Shooters Club on Black River Road in Ironwood.
Michigan and Wisconsin have established programs over the years to offer younger individuals the chance to hunt.
According to the Michigan's Department of Natural Resources website, the Mentored Youth Hunting program is designed to introduce youth under the age of 10 to hunting and fishing, offering a "package" license for $7.50.
After acquiring the package license, youth hunters under the age of 10 are then able to hunt turkey in the spring and fall on private or public land, deer and small game, as well as trap furbearers and fish for all species.
The program allows parents and other adult mentors to determine if and when their children are ready to hunt. Youth must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.
The MDNR website said the program is an easy way to introduce children to Michigan's rich outdoor heritage, teach the importance of conserving the state's unmatched natural resources and ensure the tradition of hunting continues.
"Every license purchased means important funding for wildlife habitat improvement and restoration, wildlife research, programs that provide access for public hunting, hunter safety education and much more," the website said.
Michigan's Liberty Hunt, for youth and hunters with disabilities, is Sept. 20-21.
Michigan also offers apprentice licenses for individuals who have not received a hunter safety certificate. The license can be used for two years, though children aged 10-16 who have not received a hunter safety certificate must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Hunters 10 years and older with a certificate are eligible to purchase regular hunting licenses.
For additional rules and information, visit michigan.gov/dnr.
In Wisconsin, anyone 10 years and older can obtain a hunting license without taking a hunters safety course if participating in the Mentored Hunting program, according to the state's DNR website.
"He or she must be accompanied by a licensed hunter, hunt within arm's reach of the mentor, and follow other rules," the website states. "Such mentored hunts remove barriers to hunting yet still allow people to safely experience hunting in a highly controlled manner."
Special seasons have been scheduled to allow youth hunters to hunt without competing with adults.
In Wisconsin, for wild turkey, white-tailed deer and waterfowl, one weekend prior to the normal hunting season is set aside for children 10-15 years old.
All youth must successfully complete a hunter education program, unless taking part in the state's Hunting Mentorship Program, the website states.
The youth also need to have all the required permits and tags, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 in Wisconsin. Adults are not allowed to mentor more than two youths.
The Youth Hunt deer weekend for Wisconsin is set for Oct. 11-12.
For additional rules and information, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/
hunt/youth.html.
