September 17, 2015
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds parents, grandparents and mentors of the special opportunities available through the Take a Kid Hunting Program. These days provide a quality hunting experience for properly licensed youth hunters by increasing their opportunity for harvesting game in a setting which encourages responsible and safe hunting practices with a supportive atmosphere.
The Youth Bow Deer Hunt will be Saturday, September 26. Although the Fall Bow deer season opened in some zones on September 12, the day is a week before the statewide opening. Also, the "antlerless deer first" requirement is waived for youth hunters that day. The Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is November 21.
In 2015 there will be two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days in each of the three hunting zones beginning October 3 in the North Zone. That day is followed by October 10 in the South Zone, October 31 in the North, and then November 7 in both the South and Coastal Zones. The final Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day is February 13 in the Coastal Zone.
The popular Youth Pheasant Hunt on October 31 provides an opportunity for youth hunters to work with volunteer mentors with trained dogs on select Wildlife Management Areas. Registration is required: see page 23 in the Hunting and Trapping Digest for information and application form. Members of Semi-wild Preserves can take advantage of the Youth Upland Bird Hunt, also on October 31, to introduce youths to upland bird hunting before the regular opening of the season.
For more information see the Take a Kid Hunting Program page.