White-Tailed and Mule Deer Hunting

Youth Hunting - Deer

An approximately week-long youth deer season will be held in September.

The following is tentative and subject to change until the season's proclamation has been signed:

Residents who turn age 11, 12 or 13 are eligible to receive an antlerless white-tailed deer license. Resident deer gun hunters who turn age 14 or 15 and who have never received a youth season deer gun license (receiving a license at age 11, 12 or 13 does not apply) are eligible to receive a youth deer license.

1. Residents who turn age 11, 12 or 13 – antlerless white-tailed deer only. Valid statewide.
2. Residents who turn age 14 or 15 – any deer is legal. No unit restrictions, except in units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (note: subject to change until the proclamation has been signed), a special license is required to hunt antlered mule deer.
3. Residents who turn age 14 or 15 – units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (note: subject to change until the proclamation has been signed), a special license is required to hunt antlered mule deer. Those possessing restricted antlered mule deer licenses may hunt only in their designated unit the entire season.

Other

• The minimum age to purchase an antlerless whitetail deer gun license is youth who turn 11 in calendar year. The minimum age to purchase a youth deer, deer gun or muzzleloader license is youth who turn 14 in calendar year.
• If the licensee is unsuccessful in harvesting a deer during the youth deer season, the license is also valid during the regular deer gun season.
• Orange clothing required for youth hunters and mentors.
• Each youth hunter must be under direct supervision (must be able to have unaided verbal contact) of an adult who is prohibited from carrying a firearm or bow while accompanying the youth hunter during the youth season.