Young Ohio hunters gain experience

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s young hunters checked 5,795 whitetailed deer during the 2020 two-day youth gun season on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22, according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

All of Ohio’s youth hunting opportunities are available to anyone who is 17 years old or younger during the season dates.

“The Division of Wildlife is pleased to provide the chance for youth hunters to pursue white-tailed deer during their special weekend every November,” Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said in the release.

“Learning to hunt from an experienced mentor is a timetested and valuable method for teaching the next generation,” Wecker also said.

The top 10 counties for deer harvested during the youth season include: Coshocton (239); Holmes (223); Tuscarawas (206); Muskingum (172); Knox (168); Guernsey (148); Harrison (133); Washington (121); Morgan (118); and Ross (118).

The most deer taken during a twoday youth season was in 2007, when 10,059 deer were checked by young hunters.

This year, 40,030 youth deer permits have been issued and can be used during any 2020-2021 deer season.

This number does not include young hunters hunting on their family’s land that are not required to have a permit.

The average deer harvest during the past three youth seasons is 5,909.

Ohio offers many more opportunities for hunters of all ages to pursue deer.

The deer-gun season is Monday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 6, as well as Dec. 19-20. Deer-muzzleloader season is Saturday, Jan. 2, through Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. Deer-archery season is open now through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021.

Find complete details in the 20202021 Ohio Hunting Regulations or at wildohio.gov

Youth hunters were required to be accompanied by a nonhunting adult during the weekend deer season.

Youth hunting seasons are also available for small game, wild turkey, and waterfowl.

Anyone interested in learning to hunt or becoming a mentor to a new hunter can visit the Wild Ohio Harvest Community Page for information on how to get started, huntingrelated workshops, and special hunting opportunities for mentors and new hunters, the news release stated.

For more, visit the ODNR’S website that is at ohiodnr. gov