The Department of Natural Resources encourages all young hunters ages 12-16 to participate in the special youth firearm deer season scheduled statewide Sept. 24-25. A youth, properly licensed to take a white-tailed deer with a firearm, is allowed to take one deer during this two-day hunt.

This is the sixth year for the youth-only hunt in Michigan. During the first youth hunt in 2000, an estimated 14,000 youths participated. Approximately 20,000 youngsters participated in the 2004 youth firearm deer season, harvesting over 6,000 deer, about one percent of the total 2004 white-tailed deer harvest.

Youth-only hunts have been established across the U.S. in recent years in response to concerns about the declining national trend in hunter numbers. Such hunts are an opportunity to provide beginning hunters with training and mentoring, helping them develop interest, skills and firearm safety awareness.

"Mentoring is a vital component of the youth hunting program," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "This special weekend hunt provides mentors the opportunity to teach, share experiences, and help instill in our young people a respect for animals and their habitat."

Young hunters, age 12 and 13, are restricted to using archery equipment and must possess a combination license to take a buck in the weekend hunt. Hunters age 14 to 16 must possess a firearm or combination license and may use a firearm or archery equipment to take a buck. Youths age 12 to 16 may use an antlerless license to take an antlerless deer during this season. The bag limit is one deer for the two day season. Both public and private lands are open to the youth firearm season.

All young hunters participating in this special hunt must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. The accompanying adult does not need a deer hunting license and is prohibited from carrying a firearm or bow during the special youth firearm deer season. Hunters may not use bait during this season. All youth hunters are required to wear hunter orange.

More information on the youth firearm deer hunting season is available at the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.