S.D. Not Youth Friendly

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BIGSP

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Too bad South Dakota doesn't have a better youth hunting program. I was going to come out over Christmas with my 10 year old son to go pheasant hunting but, unless I read wrong you can't hunt until your 12 in Sodak. Too bad. Here in Michigan, we parents get to decide what age our kids can hunt. My son has been grouse hunting with a shotgun since he was 7 years old. He's killed grouse, woodcock, ducks, pheasants and deer and is safer than many adults I hunt with.

Michigan just changed their laws about 3 years ago. Does anyone know if S.D. is planning on looking at making any changes?
 
We do have mentored hunting for resident youth from the ages of 10-16. Just have to fill out a form as a resident and you can take your child hunting one on one. I have not heard anything of them looking into changing or altering any laws to allow those younger than 10 the opportunity to hunt. We do offer a youth pheasant season as well the first weekend in October before anyone else is allowed to hunt. Participated in it when I was young and thought it has been a great program but vastly underutalized by most parents. Since only the youth are allowed to hunt on those days.
 
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BigRand said:
We do have mentored hunting for resident youth from the ages of 10-16. Just have to fill out a form as a resident and you can take your child hunting one on one. I have not heard anything of them looking into changing or altering any laws to allow those younger than 10 the opportunity to hunt. We do offer a youth pheasant season as well the first weekend in October before anyone else is allowed to hunt. Participated in it when I was young and thought it has been a great program but vastly underutalized by most parents. Since only the youth are allowed to hunt on those days.
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Is the mentored program not available to out of state hunters? If so that's a shame, he and I would really like to come out this year.
 
Happened to me with an 11yo this year. Disappointed? Yes. He still enjoyed being there. He actually just turned 12 this month, but couldn't get his HS cert in order to hunt this month.

He's anxious for next year, and that's OK too.


He won't be able to hunt without a HS cert, so I suggest you get that as soon as you're able to for your son.
 
I think saying that SD is not youth friendly is a little harsh. I understand your situation but your son is really an exception. There are not many youth today that are ready to be carrying a gun in the field at age 10. I congratulate you on working and hunting with your son at his young age to have him ready to hunt. Sorry our state cant accommodate him. But he has many years ahead to enjoy hunting and coming to SD.
 
SDJIM said:
Sorry to say it's 12 and up for non-resident--I looked in the current hunting regulations and "Nonresident Youth Small Game License Youth age 12 (or turn 12 by Dec. 31 of current year) through 15." - See more at: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/youth-pheasants.aspx#sthash.JbKslBBZ.dpuf

Contact the SD Game Fish and Parks and let them know how you feel---nothing will change unless they know
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The 11 year old I had with me this year, wouldve been able to buy a license and hunt, IF he had completed his HS course, which he hadnt.



Looks to me like its 12 and up for non residents and residents during the regular season and the youth special 4 day season.


The Mentored hunt for 10-15 year olds is residents only and requires a special permit application. I think the permit is good for the season, and there is no charge for the mentored hunt. The hunter must be accompanied by a unarmed licensed "mentor" and any game harvested goes on the mentors license.

Unless Im reading the regs incorrectly, and Im sure someone wil let me know.

You gotta admit, the price is right for a NR youth license though.

Personally, I think its a little too restrictive for youths. Like George said, some are ready, and some arent. I do think the youth mentor option is good though.
 
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