Oct. 30, 2014

Youngsters 16 and younger can hunt pheasants and quail Nov. 1-2

PRATT – November is a busy month for hunters in Kansas, and it starts on Nov. 1 and 2 with the youth pheasant and quail seasons. A variety of seasons in Kansas are designated for young hunters, including spring turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and quail. All youth seasons are part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Pass It On program, which focuses on recruiting new hunters and getting youth involved.

Youth seasons are usually scheduled to give young hunters the first crack at game, and they provide mentors the opportunity to teach without giving up hunting time during regular seasons. During the youth seasons, public lands and Walk-In Hunting Access areas are open and uncrowded. Odds are high that young hunters will have quality experiences and ample opportunities to see game.

During the youth pheasant and quail season, youth 16 and younger may hunt while under the supervision of an adult 18 or older. Resident youth age 16 and all nonresident youth, irregardless of age, must have a hunting license. All youth age 16 must also have a hunter education certificate. The daily bag limit during the youth seasons is two rooster pheasants and four quail. Supervising adults may not hunt.

The percentage of Kansans who hunt dropped significantly in the late 1990s, and in 2000, KDWPT developed Pass It On to reverse that trend. Over the past 14 years, in addition to the establishment of special youth hunting seasons, KDWPT has conducted hundreds of special youth hunts, outdoor skills events and advanced hunter education courses. All of these programs are aimed at providing safe, convenient events for youngsters to learn outdoor skills and experience hunting.

The youth pheasant and quail seasons can provide youth with great outdoor experiences, and they allow mentors to not only pass along their passion and knowledge of the outdoors, but also the opportunity to scout and work hunting dogs ahead of the regular season. Young hunters won’t require long hunts and limits of birds to enjoy a hunting experience they’ll remember the rest of their lives. Never underestimate the power of passing it on.

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