Application window closing for first-time youth deer hunting scholarships
Managed hunt to expose new hunters to free deer adventure this winter
The application process closes Aug. 15 for a free, managed deer hunt for selected youths who might not otherwise be in a position to go hunting.
Four first-time youth deer hunters will have the chance to take part in a managed deer hunt and camp Dec. 19–21 at Brown’s Lodge and Hunting Ranch in Gettysburg, state officials announced.
The free event, hosted by the Missouri River Corridor Youth Hunt in partnership with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department, is open to hunters ages 10 to 15 who have never harvested a deer. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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“This youth hunt was created for kids who don't have the opportunity to hunt,” said Potter County Conservation Officer Kendyll DeRouchey. “We want to teach the kids about firearm safety and ethical hunting while giving them the opportunity to harvest their first deer. It’ll be a unique experience they’ll remember forever.”
Participants will learn how to choose ammunition and firearms, improve shooting skills, sight in a firearm, field dress deer, and care for meat. Meals, snacks, lodging, deer licenses, firearms, ammunition, safety gear, transportation, binoculars, and assistance with field processing will be provided.
Each hunter will be paired with an experienced guide. Participation is limited to four hunters, and applicants will be selected based on their responses. A pre-hunt orientation will be held the morning of Dec. 19, with hunting to follow on nearby land through Dec. 21.
GFP sponsors several programs to get youth and first-time hunters into the field, whether it be for big game, waterfowl of small game. They include mentored, youth and apprentice programs.
In 2023, 45 percent of youths who had a license under the youth/mentored antlerless tag drawing had success. That translated to about 4,500 harvested deer.
GFP has a preference point system for first-time youth hunters. Unsuccessful youth hunters receive an additional preference point. The system is designed to lead to a higher chance of success in a future drawing.
Applications for the guided hunt are due Aug. 15. For more information, contact DeRouchey at 605-730-1568 or MRCYouthHunt@outlook.com.
I'm not sure I see much value in a state program providing a ten-year old with the "opportunity to harvest [his/her] first deer." First of all, let's drop the euphemism. This "unique experience [he/she] will remember forever" is killing, not harvesting. And killing a living creature isn't always a positive memory for children (or adults).
I realize South Dakota is a "Guns Über Alles" state, but government might consider sponsoring a reading program.