This Fall Help Ensure Young Hunters Get An Edge

An autumn hunting expedition is a great way to give a youngster an edge. Many hunting parents say early family hunts give young people skills, confidence and values that serve them throughout their lives.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say taking the time to plan and carry out a hunt can be a meaningful way to spend time with young people at an age when they really need it.

To help make those early hunting experiences special, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks suggests these youth-oriented opportunities.

• A special statewide two-day youth waterfowl season Sept. 24-25 is a popular opportunity for youngsters ages 12-15 to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese and coots before the general waterfowl season. They must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age. Check the regulations for bag limits, shooting hours, and hunter safety requirements.
• A resident youth 12-17 years of age who applies for a hunting license for the first time ever is entitled to receive a youth combination sports license free of charge. The youth combination sports license includes: a conservation license and fishing, upland game bird (excluding turkey), elk and deer licenses. The youth combination sports license is available at FWP regional offices and license providers.
• Resident youth ages 15-17 may purchase a discounted youth combination license that includes: a conservation license, and fishing, deer A, elk, and upland game bird (excluding turkey) licenses. This license is available at FWP regional offices and license providers.
• Montana youth ages 12-14 may purchase a deer A or elk license over the counter for half price.
• Youth 12-14 years of age may fish and hunt migratory and upland game birds, excluding turkeys, with only a conservation license.
• Resident youth 15-17 years of age may hunt upland game birds (excluding turkey) with a conservation license and $3 youth upland game bird license.

Finally, youth ages 12-14 may hunt elk in some hunting districts without applying for a special elk permit through the spring drawing. Check the current big game hunting regulations for details.