![]() ![]() Daily bag limits for deer harvested during a youth season do not count against the hunter’s annual bag limit. Youth from 15-17 must comply with all license requirements but do not need a Class N or NN stamp. Youth hunters ages eight to 14 must be accompanied by an unarmed, licensed adult (21+ years old), but they don’t need a hunting license, stamps or a Hunter Safety Education card. West Virginia has youth hunting seasons for squirrel in September, antlerless deer and bear in October, antlerless deer in December and turkey in April. The Game Management Section has established seasons specifically for taking a young person hunting, but don’t limit their exposure to these dates only, as the more you take them the more they’ll want to go. If you’re looking to develop your relationship around hunting, remember that enjoying a positive experience will help decide whether they will continue to hunt. ![]() Allow them to dictate when they’re ready for bigger game. Also, don’t be in a hurry to move up to killing something as large as a deer, which can be a big step for some children. In a few outings, it’s highly likely that they will get their first squirrel and enjoy success. The most important part about introducing youth to hunting is to remember that having fun with someone they love, and respect is the most important thing to them. 223 single-shot rifles are available that fit young bodies and are quite accurate. 22 caliber rifles, semi-automatic 20-gauge shotguns or. Start off by finding the appropriate hunting items needed and help them start practicing. You don’t have to sit totally still their movement will keep them occupied, and there is typically enough game to keep youth interested. Often a good place to start is by hunting squirrels. If you’re taking a young person hunting, make it a fun experience. Hunters come from hunting families and hunting families produce hunters. In short, being around family members who hunt and a “hunting culture” are of utmost importance to hunting initiation. While exposure to hunting as a youth is critical to participation as an adult, taking them unarmed into the woods before they are responsible enough to carry a firearm is a good place to start and help grow their interest. In six northeastern states, if an individual had not learned to hunt by the age of 21, there was a low likelihood of becoming a hunter. One study showed 90 percent of Ohio hunters began before their 18th birthday, and two-thirds were initiated into the sport by a father or brother. Older initiates tend to drop out of hunting sooner than younger initiates. There appears to be a strong relationship between early initiation into hunting and the extent and longevity and commitment of individual’s participation. Research indicates that initiation into hunting usually needs to occur before the age of 20 to instill a long-term love of the sport.
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