WISCONSIN — The next generation of Wisconsin hunters will get their chance at trying out the sport with a mentor this weekend.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources youth hunt takes place on Oct. 7-8.

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources youth hunt takes place on Oct. 7-8

  • It allows hunters 15 years old and younger to learn from a mentor and gain deer hunting experience

  • The hunt is available to both residents and nonresidents

  • The DNR said with or without hunter education certification, youth hunters are eligible to hunt as long as they are supervised by a mentor

It allows hunters 15 years old and younger to learn from a mentor and gain deer hunting experience.

The hunt is available to both residents and nonresidents.

The DNR said with or without hunter education certification, youth hunters are eligible to hunt as long as they are supervised by a mentor.

However, there are certain requirements for those mentors.

For hunters younger than 11, or hunters 12-15 who have not completed hunter education, mentors must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a hunter education graduate
  • Have a current hunting license
  • Be within arm’s reach of the hunter

For youth hunters age 12-15 who have completed hunter education, mentors must:

 

  • Be 18 years old
  • Be within both visual and voice contact with the hunter

 

In this scenario, the mentor does not need to be a hunter education graduate or a licensed hunter.

The DNR said in all scenarios, one mentor cannot accompany two youths at the same time.

You can find full youth hunt guidelines, here.

As in any firearm deer hunting season, at least 50% of the hunters’ clothing must be blaze orange or pink above the waist. This rule also includes archery hunters and small game hunters. Only waterfowl hunters are exempt.

The DNR also encouraged hunters to abide by and share the safety rules of TAB-K with youth hunters. It means:

  • Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
  • Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
  • Be certain of your target as well as what’s beyond it
  • Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot

Youths who are new to hunting can celebrate their first deer with an official celebratory certificate from the DNR, which can be found here.

The regular 2023 gun deer hunting season starts on Nov. 18 and goes through Nov. 26. Archery and crossbow seasons already started on Sept. 16 and run through Jan. 7, 2024.