MADISON — Wisconsin’s annual youth deer hunt is being held between Oct. 5 and 6, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging hunting mentors to introduce the rich tradition of deer hunting to the next generation of hunters.
"The youth hunt offers hunters 15years-old and younger the chance to learn hunting techniques and develop a connection to nature at a time when deer are less pressured than during the traditional 9-day gun season," a news release said. "Wisconsin residents and nonresidents may participate in the youth hunt."
According to the release, youth hunters are eligible with or without hunter education, as they must be under the supervision of a mentor during the annual youth deer hunt.
All hunters younger than 11 years old and all hunters ages 12 to 15 who have not completed hunter education must have a mentor who is at least 18, has graduated hunter education, holds a current hunting license and must remain within arm’s reach of the youth hunter.
All hunters ages 12-15 who have graduated from hunters education, their mentor still has to be at least 18 years old, but the mentor only needs to be in both visual and voice contact with the youth hunter. The mentor does not need to be a hunter education graduate or a licensed hunter, according to the release.
"One mentor may not accompany more than two youths at the same time. Be sure to review the Youth Deer Hunt rules and regulations for full details," the release said.
According to the release, new hunters can also commemorate their first harvest with a first harvest certificate from the DNR. To receive one, visit .
The youth deer hunt rules and regulations are available online at .
According to the release, with it being the annual youth hunt, it is the perfect time to teach and practice safe firearm handling, which includes following the TAB-K rules:
â– Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
â– Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
■Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
â– Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Additionally, the DNR reminds all hunters going out during the annual youth deer hunt that because it is a gun deer season, hunters have to make sure their clothing is at least 50% blaze orange or pink above the waist, according to the release. This also applies for archery hunters and small game hunters, but not waterfowl hunters.