| 9/19/2006
Youth Hunting Opportunities Help to Pass Along the Tradition It's great to be a kid. Never more so than during Iowa's hunting seasons. Besides hunting in the regular season, young hunters in Iowa also get the chance to pursue most major species before their dad, mom or other adults can. A lot of us can think back to a numbing December wind along a fence line or maybe sitting through a November sleet storm in the marsh, waiting for deer or ducks that didn't appear. Or perhaps you remember getting shuffled around; being told to sit here, or walk there as the adults in the party tried to get in their share of hunting, too before the big buck trotted past or before a flock of close working ducks dropped into the decoys. Not exactly fond memories. That's why special youth dates have been built into Iowa's hunting seasons. Young hunters, or 'would be hunters' can spend some quality time in the field, with the emphasis on them. "A normal hunting season gets busy for hunters," notes Department of Natural Resources training officer A. Jay Winter. "Youth seasons offer a positive experience; a more relaxed setting...and usually in warmer weather." Winter gets a double dose of youth hunting each year; with his young sons learning the basics...and through special youth deer hunts he coordinates at Springbrook State Park, near Guthrie Center. With successful 'in park' hunts at Springbrook in 2004 and 2005, the area has two slated for this fall. Another is scheduled at the 4H Camp, near Boone. At the Springbrook hunts, a couple dozen novices show up on Friday...and leave Sunday with enough experience that they and their mentors can confidently head out on their own deer hunt. "It's just pure elation," says Winter, recalling the feeling of those youngsters, as they leave...usually with the antlerless deer they harvested themselves and field dressed. "It gives them a positive introduction to deer hunting. They have a 'hands on' application of what they just learned in the classroom and outdoor settings." Occasionally, the mentor knows as little about deer hunting as the youth. That's why sessions cover hunting laws, equipment and safety, as well as an overview of deer biology and management of the deer herd. They'll walk safety trails and identify likely deer areas and hunting points. They learn how to field dress deer...and even process it. There is a fee for the weekend; which includes meals and dorm lodging. Often, a local Pheasants Forever chapter or other sponsor picks up the costs for a local kid and mentor. This year, in addition to the 12 through 15 age range for the November hunt, Springbrook is offering the December weekend for those 12 and up. That would allow older participants; perhaps a spouse or in-law, to get an up close look the world of deer hunting. The emphasis in Springbrook camp is that only 'inexperienced hunters' need apply. But most youth hunters will be in a one-on-one setting with an adult; some one who has hunted for quite awhile and who wants to pass along what they know. They are not hunting themselves, so each can focus on the young hunter. That adult needs the proper licensing 'paperwork.' Iowa's hunting regulations (online at www.iowadnr.com or in booklets available at licensing outlets) specify season to season requirements. For instance, a waterfowl 'mentor' needs a license, habitat fee and the state waterfowl 'stamp,' if normally required. That mentor must also have a harvest information, or HIP, number. The mentor cannot carry a firearm or bow in the hunt, pursuing the same animal, for instance. That keeps the attention on the hunter who is doing the learning. Besides learning a skill they can carry through for life, those young hunters come away with a lot more. "It's passing on a tradition; sharing a special experience," offers Winter. "It's an evening in the marsh as the ducks return. It's the snow falling in the woods. It's certain values (they can learn)." It's great being a kid. Youth Hunting Seasons Special Youth Deer Hunts 4H Camp November 17-19
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