The early portion of youth firearms deer season runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, with shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. To participate, hunters must be at least 6-years-old and no older than 15 on opening day.
Valid permits include the Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit and the Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit. Permits are available at participating locations throughout the state, or online.
Only one deer of either sex may be taken during the early youth portion in accordance with permits held. If hunters possess more than one permit, they must use them in another portion. Only one antlered deer may be taken during the entire firearms season (all portions combined).
The Department of Conservation notes the antler-point restriction does not apply to youth hunters using a firearms deer hunting permit during the youth portion.
Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the archery and firearms deer hunting seasons combined. Each county limits the number of antlerless deer hunting permits a youth hunr can fill during the entire firearms season. More information on county restrictions can be found here.
During the youth portions of firearms deer season, adults who accompany youth hunters do not need a deer hunting permit. The adult must be 18 or older and hunter-education certified or born before Jan. 1, 1967. At all other times, hunters must have a filled or unfilled deer hunting permit to assist others in taking deer.
Hunters are reminded the use of bait is illegal while hunting. Bait includes grain or feed placed or scattered to attract deer or turkeys. However, doe urine and other scents may be used to attract deer while hunting, as long as the scents are not used on or with grain or other food products.
During the 2019 early youth portion, young hunters harvested 18,158 deer.
The late youth portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 27-29.
Additional information on hunting seasons and regulations can be found in the 2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations booklet.