The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has announced a couple of hunting opportunities for deer hunting for Oklahoma youth.
One opportunity is through the Oklahoma Youth Hunting Program, seeking 75 first-time youth hunters to apply for guided deer hunts in October. The other opportunity from the Oklahoma Department of Wildllfe offers 56 youths an opportunity to participate in private-property controlled hunts to harvest anterless deer.
FIRST TIME YOUTH HUNTERS
Youths who have never had the opportunity to go deer hunting can apply for a chance to go this fall. The Oklahoma Youth Hunting Program, an all-volunteer nonprofit group, is seeking applications through September 15 for the October hunts.
Applicants must be between 12-17 years old, have never hunted before, and have one parent or guardian to accompany them on the hunt. OYHP President Darrell Noblitt said the groupo is hoping to mentor about 75 youths.
Youths will receive pre-hunt training and will have a volunteer guide, hunt-masters and mentors throughout the hunt. All hunts will be conducted on private lands during the state’s annual Youth Deer Gun Season from October 18 – 21, with meals, equipment and accommodations provided for free. Hunters must buy the state’s youth deer gun license.
OYHP expects to mark a milestone this season, taking 500 first-time hunters out since the organization began in 2008. The application is available here, and more information is at OYHP’s website.
GUIDED ANTERLESS HUNT
Young deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in one of four bonus anterless deer hunts that will take place on private lands in Ellis and Love Counties in October and December.
To be eligible, youths must have completed their hunter education requirements prior to applying and must be 12 – 17 years old at the time of their scheduled hunt.
“These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to harvest a doe,” said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Wildlife Department. “The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program, and we are thankful for the landowners’ willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property.”
To apply for a hunt, youths must fill out an application online no later than 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.
