COLUMBUS, OH - Young hunters across Ohio enjoyed another successful hunt during the Fourth Annual Youth Deer-Gun Season. Hunters age 17 and under killed 8,811 deer in the special two-day season, aimed at providing a high-quality hunt for younger Ohioans, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Last year’s youth hunt saw a deer harvest of 8,722.

The Division of Wildlife estimated 30,000 young hunters took to the fields and forests during the two-day season. Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed were Guernsey - 355; Holmes - 339; Ashland - 337; Tuscarawas - 324; and Harrison - 287.

“The youth deer-gun season has really taken off in popularity,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “With Ohio’s new apprentice license program, the youth deer season is an excellent way for families to enjoy hunting together. It fits so well with the whole Families Afield initiative.”

The national ‘Families Afield’ initiative encourages more families to take their youngsters hunting. This national effort is being spearheaded by the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

As part of this national initiative, apprentice hunting licenses allow new hunters to sample the experience of hunting under the mentorship of a licensed adult, prior to completing a hunter education course. The youth deer-gun season was open statewide. Young 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.

This recent hunt is one of four special youth-only dates designed to promote hunting among young Ohioans. Special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

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 27-December 3.

Details on youth hunting seasons and Ohio’s other deer hunting seasons can be found in the 2006-2007 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It can also be viewed online at ohiodnr.com/wildlife.