Buckhorn State Park Youth Deer Hunt Program

At Buckhorn's annual Youth Deer Hunt Program in November of each year, 12- to 17-year-old hunters have been very successful and had quality deer hunting experiences with their chaperones. Pictures of previous youth hunters with their harvested deer can be seen at the park office.

A young hunter and his chaperone show off the deer the youth shot in 2008.
DNR Photo

To participate in the November 2009 hunt, download the application form [PDF], complete it, and mail it to the address shown by July 15. Note: A student who has participated in the Sandhill youth deer hunt program is not allowed to participate in the Buckhorn hunt and vice versa.

The workshop is August 22 or 23, and the hunt is on November 7 and 8. The applicant must :

• be age 12 but not older than 17 by November 7, 2009.
• have parental/guardian consent
• have hunter education certificate by August 22.
• have not previously participated in a Learn to Deer Hunt program
• have not more than two years deer hunting experience

1. A chaperone must accompany all applicants. Applicants may select a chaperone (i.e., family or friend), or authorize Buckhorn Park to assign a qualified chaperone. This person will not be allowed to hunt or carry a firearm and must be at least 21 years old. The chaperone must have at least five years of hunting experience.
2. Successful applicants and their chaperones must attend a workshop in order to participate in the hunt. Chaperone must be the same person at both workshop and hunt weekend.
3. Deer gun hunting license is not required. A back tag will be furnished. This is a bonus deer and will not preclude the harvest of a deer during the regular season. The bag limit will be one deer of either sex. Only shotguns will be permitted; muzzleloaders and rifles are not permitted.
4. Applicants who have not harvested a deer with a firearm at time of application will receive preference. Applicants claiming preference will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis and will be notified upon receipt of their applications. Applicants not claiming preference will be selected randomly by a member of Friends of Buckhorn State Park on July 16.
5. Only students and chaperones will be admitted to the workshop. Students and chaperones completing the course will be issued permits authorizing their participation in the hunt.
6. The fee will be $25 to cover course and hunt materials. Do not send fee with application.

Dates and deadlines change from year to year.

For more information, ask Buckhorn State Park, (608) 565-2789.