Special youth deer hunts offered

Tuesday, January 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting several youth controlled deer hunt opportunities the weekend of January 27 and 28. Approximately 50 antlerless permits will be available for youngsters aged 14 and under provided they have completed hunter education requirements.

The one-and-a-half day hunts are being held on four different private ranches located in Alfalfa, Dewey, Ellis and Woods counties. The youth, along with their non-hunting adult partner, are required to attend a pre-hunt briefing on January 27 at 7:00 a.m. at sites to be determined. The hunt will then begin Saturday afternoon and will continue all day Sunday, January 28. According to Wade Free, Wildlife Division northwest region supervisor, participants should have very good opportunities to harvest an antlerless deer.

"These hunts are all taking place on private ranches with an abundance of anterless deer," said Free. "With western Oklahoma's wide-open terrain, all the youth hunters can expect to see good numbers of deer, and should have a good opportunity to take home a doe."

To apply for this hunt, applicants must send a 4x6 index card titled, "NW Youth Deer Hunts." The card should include the hunter's name and date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and hunter education certification number. Also, include the name of the non-hunting partner. Applications must be received at Department of Wildlife headquarters no later than 4:00 p.m., Jan. 12. The drawing will take place on Monday, Jan. 15, at which time successful applicants will be notified by phone.

If selected for the hunt, youth must possess a $14.75 Resident Youth Deer Gun permit unless they possess a Resident Lifetime Hunting or Resident Lifetime Combination License. The youth's non-hunting adult partner, however, will not be required to possess an Oklahoma hunting license or deer permit. Participants must also pay a $7 controlled hunt fee at the pre-hunt briefing. In addition, the youth's proof of age and hunter safety certification are also required at check-in.

Any antlerless deer harvested during the controlled hunt will be considered "bonus" deer and will not count against the youth's yearly combined limit.

Applications for the NW Youth Deer Hunts should be sent to Attn. Wildlife Division/NW Youth Deer Hunts, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. For additional information concerning drawing details, contact wildlife division at 405/521-2739.