COLUMBUS, OH - Young hunters across Ohio took 6,673 deer on Saturday and Sunday, November 20-21, during the state's second annual youth deer-gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Many young hunters are getting the chance to take their first deer during the youth season. This hunt will be a great memory for the rest of their lives,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife.
The Division of Wildlife estimated 15,000 young hunters took to the field during the two-day season. Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed for that time were Tuscarawas (263), Holmes (222), Guernsey (210), Coshocton (209), and Ross (190). This year’s total was 28 percent above the 2003 numbers, when young hunters took 5,208 deer during the same time period.
The youth deer-gun season was open statewide on both private and public land. Hunters could take one deer of either sex, in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and bows were legal. All participants were required to wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and special deer permit, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.
The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth-only dates designed to promote the sport of hunting among young Ohioans. Special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunting opportunities for people age 17 and under.
“The kids participating are experiencing conservation first hand. They are the center of attention on the hunt and they receive one-on-one mentoring from their parents or adult guide,” Gray added.
Youngsters and all other hunters will have another chance at taking a whitetail during next week’s statewide deer-gun season, which runs Monday through Sunday, November 29-Deecember 5.
Details on youth hunting seasons and Ohio’s other deer hunting seasons can be found in the 2004-2005 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It can also be viewed online at ohiodnr.com