What You Must Know About The Special 2024 Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunt

Wisconsin's 9-day deer hunting season takes place from Saturday, November 23 through Sunday, December 1, but long before that happens, there's an opportunity for young people.

The goal of Wisconsin's special youth deer hunt is to allow youth hunters to connect with nature by hunting deer and gain valuable hunting experience under the watchful eye of experienced hunters

Another great aspect of this special day is that it is open to both Wisconsin residents and nonresidents. Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced details on the year's event.

Wisconsin 2024 Youth Deer Hunt

Again this year, the DNR encourages hunting mentors to introduce the rich tradition of deer hunting to the next generation during Wisconsin’s annual youth deer hunt.

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The 2024 youth deer hunt is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6. It's a special two-day season where hunters 15 years old and younger have the chance to learn hunting techniques and develop a connection to nature at a time when deer are less pressured than during the traditional 9-day gun season.

Youth hunters, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to hunt while under the supervision of a mentor. However, there are some guidelines to follow:

• For all hunters younger than 11 years old or hunters ages 12-15 who have not completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old, a hunter education graduate, hold a current hunting license, and remain within arm’s reach of the youth hunter.
• For hunters ages 12-15 who have completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old but does not need to be a hunter education graduate or a licensed hunter. The mentor must be in both visual and voice contact with the youth hunter.
• Youth hunters aged 15 and under may hunt deer with a gun, bow, or crossbow in all deer management units (DMUs), except Menominee County, or in state parks. A gun deer hunting license is required
• The bag limit is one buck with a Gun Buck Deer Harvest Authorization plus additional antlerless deer per Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization(s) valid for the zone, DMU, and land type (public access or private) on which the youth is hunting. Additional antlerless deer may be taken per Jr. Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization, which is valid statewide, regardless of land type.

Also, one mentor may not accompany more than two youths at the same time. Complete details are available through the Youth Deer Hunt rules and regulations page.

The Wisconsin DNR Encourages Everyone To Practice Safe Hunting

The youth hunt is an excellent opportunity to teach and practice safe firearm handling. The DNR encourages everyone to remember the rules of TAB-K:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Furthermore, any time a firearm deer season is taking place, including the youth deer hunt, at least 50% of all hunters’ clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or pink. This requirement applies to archery hunters and small-game hunters. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to let new hunters can celebrate this experience with a first harvest certificate. Follow the instructions on the DNR’s First Harvest Certificate webpage to upload information about the experience.