Youth Pheasant Hunt

"The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians in our hunting seasons," Roe noted. "The goal is to make hunting a priority among all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a teenager's time. It's truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania's more than a million hunters.

"To maximize this opportunity for young hunters, and to ensure we pass along the ethics and ideals of our hunting heritage, the Game Commission and Pheasants Forever urge local clubs to consider hosting a youth pheasant hunt for the young people in their community."

Those clubs interested in hosting a youth pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the 26-page planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by- step guide on how to develop an organized youth pheasant hunt, and includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future youth pheasant hunts.

The manual can be viewed on the Game Commission's website ( http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/), by clicking on "Forms & Programs," and then selecting "Youth Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide." In addition to the planning guide, the upcoming 2006-07 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations will feature a listing of all locations that the Game Commission plans to stock for the youth pheasant hunt.

To participate in the youth pheasant hunt, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the youth pheasant hunt, but all participants must wear the mandatory 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees.

The 1,500 pheasants that the agency will provide for sportsmen's clubs sponsored youth pheasant hunts will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Roe noted that the set-aside for clubs was cut from last year's budget due to fiscal issues.

"While the agency's financial situation remains a concern, providing pheasants to clubs sponsoring youth pheasant hunts is a wise investment," Roe said.

To qualify, clubs and organizations must sign up before July 31 with the Game Commission to host a youth pheasant hunt. The only two stipulations to be eligible for clubs to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on public lands or private lands enrolled in one of the Game Commission's Cooperative Public Access Programs. Applications are available as part of the Youth Pheasant Hunting Planning Guide, or by going to the "Forms & Programs" section of the agency's homepage ( http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/) and clicking on "Youth Pheasant Hunt Application."

Additionally, to maximize potential participation, the Game Commission will post on its website all club-sponsored youth pheasant hunts.

"Holding concurrent youth seasons for squirrels and ring-necked pheasants will offer variety to youths who participate in these small game-hunting opportunities," Roe said. "The state's long-standing two-pheasant daily bag limit will apply to junior hunters participating in the season. In addition, depending on the area they are hunting, juniors will be required to comply with restrictions on hunting male or female pheasants."

Roe also noted that, on April 18, the Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to regulations establishing the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which will enable youth under 12 years of age to hunt under the close supervisor of a mentor. To take effect next license year, the Board must give final approval to the package in June.