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Beginning deer hunters have a unique
opportunity to participate in four youth controlled antlerless deer hunts that
will take place on private lands in several Oklahoma counties. Applications must
be received at the Wildlife Department no later than 4 p.m., Friday, September
1.
The hunts are scheduled for either October
or January. This year 58 bonus antlerless deer gun licenses will be drawn for
youth 12 to 16 years of age who have completed their hunter education
requirements.
"These hunts are on private property and
should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a
chance to harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The Oklahoma Wildlife
Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program and we are thankful
for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on
their property."
To apply for a hunt, applicants must send
the Department a 4" by 6" index card in an envelope titled "Private Lands Youth
Deer Hunts." The card should provide the hunter's name, date of birth, mailing
address, telephone number, hunter education certification number, social
security or driver’s license number, their order of hunt preferences (may list
all 4 hunts) and lifetime license number if applicable. A non-hunting adult who
is at least 21 years old must accompany the youth, and must also be listed on
the index card. The index card should be labeled “Private Lands Youth Deer Hunt"
and should be mailed to: Department of Wildlife, Attn: Wildlife Division-Youth
Deer Hunts, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
Hunts will be offered in:
Craig County (Oct. 8)
Ellis County (Oct. 6-7)
Osage County (Oct. 20-22)
Alfalfa County (Jan. 13-14)
The drawing will be held Sept. 7 and
successful applicants will receive a notification letter in the mail about their
hunt the following week. The letter will inform them of their selection and
provide details about the hunt and license requirements. Selected resident youth
will need to purchase a $10 Resident Youth Deer Gun License unless they possess
an Oklahoma Resident Lifetime Hunting or Resident Lifetime Combination License.
Selected nonresidents will need to purchase a $201.00 Nonresident Deer Gun
License. The youth's non-hunting adult does not need a license. Any antlerless
deer harvested during the controlled hunt will be considered a bonus deer and
will not count against the youths’ combined season limit.
For additional information concerning the hunts, contact the Department
at (405) 521-2739.
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