Youth hunt age limits

1pheas4

Moderator
I have a question for those of you who have worked with youth hunts.

What is the minimum age you recommend for a youth hunt?

What age do you suggest for max age? (youth hunt)

I've guided youth hunts in the past but to be honest I really don't know what the age bracket was.

Also, those of you from IL. what is the minimum age requirement for hunting within IL? (with a hunter's safety card)


Any help is very much appreciated! Thank you!
 
1Pheas4,

I do 5 Youth events each year. Spring Turkey, Fishing Derby, Greenwing Skeet Shooting event, Youth Deer Gun and a Waterfowl Weekend. Our hunting programs allow kids from 9 -17 years of age to participate.

As far as age, when hunting in Oklahoma a Youth can hunt on an apprentice Hunter Safety Course at 9 years of age. Now I think we all know that some kids could be developmentally delayed and some kids actually excel in areas of responsibility and maturity. So the key in my eyes in the situation of age are the PARENTS.

Lets face it, First not all kids are capable of carrying a gun at (9), let alone load & fire without adult supervision. I think the key to this is the parent’s involvement in this whole process. That’s why we teach the kids Safety and basic fundamentals, target identification shoot don’t shoot scenarios etc. I will also tell you that I spend time alone with the parents and talk specifics about handling guns in the field and what I expect from the parents.

We normally have 35-45 kids for each hunt. I have had 9 year olds bag there first Turkey and or Buck. But as far as age, “The parents are the Key”.
 
Thanks for your reply OKG. If you don't mind I may send you a PM or two with some more questions as they arise.

The youth hunt I'm putting together will only have 10 kids, then I'll work my way up from there.

I'm hoping to have 5 to 6 hunts a season starting next fall. This year is a bit chopped up so I'll only be holding 2 hunts.

Thanks again for your help my friend and keep up the good work:cheers:
 
Thanks for your reply OKG. If you don't mind I may send you a PM or two with some more questions as they arise.

The youth hunt I'm putting together will only have 10 kids, then I'll work my way up from there.

I'm hoping to have 5 to 6 hunts a season starting next fall. This year is a bit chopped up so I'll only be holding 2 hunts.

Thanks again for your help my friend and keep up the good work:cheers:

Hey guys, please dont go to PM. I am trying to teach some youths (nieces and nephews) as well and ANY info can help. The niece is 7 years and handles a spring load BB gun well. She watched the video of the guy almost blowing his face off, at the point of the video when guy looks down the barrel she says "is he stupid?", bang. I told her no just not educated in guns. But it was what I wanted to hear.
 
Does anyone know what the minimum age limit is for youth hunters in Illinois is? I always thought it was 12 w/a hunters safety card. I had a guy tell me his 8 yr old son is legally hunting.

8 yrs old seems bit young for this particular youth hunt, but 10 yrs old sounds reasonable. I just don't know if 10 is legal here in Illinois:confused:
 
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