The future of hunting is all about the kids, and moms, dads, grandpas or uncles have several ways to get them out in the field.
“It’s important to make it easy for kids to get out there,” said Mike Keckler, spokesman for Idaho Fish and Game. “Young hunters are our future and we have to get them involved.”
Here are some examples of special deals:
You can transfer a tag to a young hunter — This allows an adult hunter who drew a controlled hunt permit to transfer it to their child or grandchild (younger than 18).
You’ll need to go to a Fish and Game office to make the transfer by filling out a form. For information, go to fishandgame.idaho.gov.
The transfer has to be done before the hunt.
Youth discounted elk and deer tags — Deer, $10.75; elk, $16.50. See page 102 of Idaho’s big game regulations. A youth combination license or hunting license also is needed.
Youth ages 12-17 may hunt antlered or antlerless deer in hunting units that are antler-only for adults. An example is Unit 39.
Resident Youth General Elk Tag — Hunters between the ages of 12 and 17, who purchase a general season elk zone tag, may participate in any A or B tag elk season within the specified zone, regardless of whether they purchased an A tag or B tag.
All other season, weapon restrictions and commission rules apply.
Controlled hunts are excluded. See Page 30 of Idaho’s big game regulations.
Junior Mentored Hunting License — These are available for nonresident youth ages 12 to 17, for $31.75.
Special prices are available on deer and elk tags for nonresident youths.
For the tags, youth must have a Junior Mentored Hunting License and be accompanied by an adult with a tag or tags for the same species.
See Page 102 of Idaho’s big game regulations.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt — The hunt this year is Sept. 29-30. It gives young hunters, ages 10 to 15, a chance to get out before the crowds of the regular season and get some good hunting.
They have to be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, but the adult can’t hunt.
Youth Pheasant Hunt — Hunters ages 10 to 15, can go pheasant hunting Oct. 6-12 before the general pheasant season opens.
They have to be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, but the adult can’t hunt.
Youth turkey hunting — Fish and Game has several units open to hunters ages 15 or younger. Seasons run Sept. 15-30.
Check Idaho’s upland game bird rules.
Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445, Twitter: @Zimosoutdoors
