Youth hunts

Youth Deer Hunt

Youth hunters may hunt deer with a gun in all Deer Management Units except state park and non-quota units. A gun deer hunting license is required if hunting with a firearm. The bag limit is one buck per gun buck deer harvest authorization, plus additional antlerless deer per antlerless deer harvest authorization valid for the Deer Management Unit that the youth hunter will be hunting. Youth hunters with an archer or crossbow license may continue to hunt with a bow or crossbow during the archery/crossbow season, which runs concurrently with the youth gun deer hunt. All other hunting regulations apply.

• More deer hunting details
• Season dates for this event

Always on the Saturday and Sunday nearest October 8. This special hunt is intended to give youth hunters an opportunity to hunt deer and gain valuable hunting experience under the watchful eye of experienced hunters. Hunters 15 years of age and under, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to participate in the youth gun deer hunt with a mentor. 

Youth Hunt Rules and Regulations 

Youth hunters ages 15 and under may hunt deer with a gun, bow or crossbow in all deer management units (DMUs), except Menominee County, or in state parks. A gun deer hunting license is required. 

Since the archery and crossbow seasons run concurrently with the youth gun deer hunt, youth hunters who possess an archer or crossbow license may also continue to hunt deer with a bow/crossbow. 

Both resident and non-resident youth hunters are eligible to participate. 

The bag limit is one buck with a Gun Buck Deer Harvest Authorization plus additional antlerless deer per Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization(s) valid for the zone, DMU and land type (public access or private) on which the youth is hunting. Additional antlerless deer may be taken per the Jr. Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization, which is valid statewide, regardless of land type. 

All other hunting regulations apply. See the Wisconsin Hunting Regulations for more information. 

Definitions 

MENTORED means guided by an adult at least 18 years of age who has received permission from the hunter's parent/guardian. For hunters younger than 12 and those who have not completed hunter education, the mentor must also be a hunter education graduate and hold a current hunting license. 

TO ACCOMPANY means the adult is within both visual and voice contact of the youth without the aid of a mechanical/electrical amplifying device other than a hearing aid. 

Youth Hunters 12-15 years of age

For youth hunters 12-15 years of age (resident and non-resident) who possess a hunter education certificate of accomplishment and a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. The adult does not have to be a licensed hunter or a hunter education graduate to accompany one or two youth who are at least 12 years of age and have completed a hunter education course.
• Adults accompanying youth hunters may not hunt deer with a firearm during the youth hunt, but may possess a bow, crossbow or gun to hunt for a game species that is open at that time, including deer with a bow or crossbow only.
• An adult may not accompany more than two youth hunters during the youth gun deer hunt at any given time. 

Youth Hunters 11 years of age and under

For all youth hunters 11 years of age and under, OR youth hunters 12-15 years of age who do not possess a hunter education certificate, and who possess a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be "mentored" by an adult who is within arm's reach at all times during the hunt.
• Qualified adult mentors must be at least 18 years of age and have the youth's parents' or guardians' permission to mentor the youth hunter.
• Mentors must possess a valid Wisconsin hunting license for the current hunting season. The type of hunting license does not matter unless the mentor will be hunting other game. When hunting on land the mentor owns or occupies, a mentor is exempt from the hunting license requirement if not hunting, or if only hunting rabbits, squirrel, raccoon, fox, coyote, beaver, or unprotected species.
• If the mentor was born on or after 01/01/1973, they must be a graduate of a hunter education course or have completed basic training with the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Qualified adult mentors may only mentor one youth hunter whose age is 11 and under, or who has not completed hunter education, at any given time.
• Adults accompanying youth hunters may not hunt deer with a firearm during the youth hunt, but may possess a bow, crossbow or gun to hunt for a game species that is open for them to hunt at that time, including deer with a bow or crossbow only. 

Additional information can be found at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "mentor." 

Gun Safety 

Mentors are encouraged to go over the four basic rules of firearm safety with the youth prior to hunting:

1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction;
3. Be sure of your target and beyond; and
4. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. 

For more information and videos on firearm safety, please visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword "firearm safety." 

Youth Waterfowl Hunt

Season dates are finalized after a period of public input. A final ruling on the waterfowl season happens in early August by the Natural Resources Board.

All license and stamp requirements for eligible youth waterfowl hunters are waived on these two days. We expect the duck bag limit to be the same as the regular season. Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required of all youth hunters. All other hunting regulations apply.

• Youth waterfowl hunt rules and regulations
• More waterfowl hunting details
• Season dates for this event