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Youths 12 to 16 years old again have a chance at a special youth hunt this year at Buckhorn State Park near Necedah.
The hunt will be held Nov. 1 and 2 to help youngsters learn deer hunting techniques. Applicants for the event will be selected by a drawing. Applications are due by July 15 and are available from: Youth Deer Hunt, Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave., Necedah, WI, 54646-7338. A drawing will be held on July 16, and all successful applicants will be notified by July 24.
Each youngster selected to participate must have completed a Department of Natural Resources-certified hunter education program and must attend a Learn to Hunt Deer Workshop August 23 and 24 at the LaValle Sportsmans Club. A $20 fee for that workshop and hunt will be collected by Friends of Buckhorn State Park.
"The hunt is for youngsters who have not previously harvested a deer with a gun at the time they apply," says park superintendent Joe Stecker-Kochanski. However, a youngster who takes a deer in the 2003 Zone T hunting season or in a CWD hunt after submitting an application remains eligible to participate in the youth hunt.
"We’re trying to give youngsters a quality experience where they can have a chance at actually harvesting an animal and learn to do it safely," Stecker-Kochanski said. The hunt will be with shotguns for either antlerless or antlered deer.
The event is limited to 56 youngsters this year. They will be allowed to hunt on approximately 2,000 acres of Buckhorn State Park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area A south of Necedah in Juneau County. Each youth must be accompanied by a qualified chaperone. Applicants can select a qualified family member or friend as the chaperone or authorize the park to assign a chaperone. The chaperone is not allowed to hunt or carry a firearm, must be at least 21 years old, and have at least 5 years hunting experience.
Stecker-Kochanski said hunting licenses are not required for this special youth event. Anyone interested in the hunt can call Buckhorn State Park for an application at (608) 565-2789. The application forms are also available at DNR service centers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Stecker-Kochanski (608) 565-2789
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