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Buckhorn State Park will offer a two-day hunt Nov. 8-9 for youths who are at least age 12 but not older than 17 as of Nov. 8. The chaperoned hunt is preceded by a one-day learn-to-hunt workshop on either Sept. 6 or 7 at the LaValle Sportsman's Club.
"We're trying to give youngsters a quality experience where they can have a good chance at harvesting an animal and can learn to do it safely," said Joe Stecker-Kochanski, park superintendent.
A hunting license is not required. Youngsters who have not harvested a deer with a firearm at the time of application will receive preference. The annual event is limited to 56 youngsters this year. Applicants for the event must apply by July 15. A drawing will be held on July 16, and all successful applicants will be notified by July 24.
The hunt, limited to shotguns, takes place on 2,000 acres of Buckhorn State Park and the Buckhorn Wildlife Area, south of Necedah in Juneau County. Youth can take either an antlered or antlerless deer.
Each youth must be accompanied by a qualified chaperone. Applicants can select a family member or friend as the chaperone or authorize the park to assign a chaperone. The chaperone – who is not allowed to hunt or to carry a firearm – must be at least 21 years old and have at least 5 years hunting experience.
Information and applications are available on the Buckhorn State Park page of the DNR Web site or by writing Youth Deer Hunt, Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave., Necedah, WI, 54646-7338.
Each youngster selected must have completed a certified hunter education program. Both the hunter and chaperone must attend a Learn to Hunt Deer workshop Sept. 6 or 7 at the LaValle Sportsman's Club. A $20 fee for the workshop and hunt will be collected by Friends of Buckhorn State Park.
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