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Ten Minnesota youth had the opportunity to participate in a special youth hunt Saturday and Sunday in the Blue Mounds State Park.
“Youth can hunt in select state parks and other refuge areas with a parent, guardian or mentor during these annual opportunities,” said Mike Kurre, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources mentoring coordinator.
“One-on-one time with a youth is time well spent afield by making memories only the outdoors can provide.”
Participating in a youth deer hunt does not prevent the youth from participating in the regular firearms deer season, but any deer harvested do count against the youth’s season bag limit.
An adult parent, guardian or mentor had to accompany the youth at all times while hunting, but only the youth was allowed to hunt.
Both youth and mentor were required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation clinic.
Ten either-sex permits were available at the Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne, and the park was closed from sundown Friday until Monday morning.
Successful applicants also had to meet all firearms safety requirements, purchase appropriate licenses and follow hunting regulations.
In addition to the 18 application-only hunts in state parks and refuge areas, any youth ages 10 to 15 can also participate in the youth deer season that runs from Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18.