Inspire the next generation during the two-day Youth Deer Hunt: Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21, 2023
 Your first hunt is always memorable... and the mentors who have helped you along the way are unforgettable. Youth days are a great opportunity to share your passion and knowledge with a youth hunter and help them foster a greater connection to Maine's natural resources.
As you make final preparations for the big day, here are a few tips and reminders:
- Go over proper firearm handling and safety well before heading afield. Be sure to take them to the range to experience shooting, ask questions, and discuss any concerns that they may have.
- Consider using “lighter” caliber guns for less recoil and a better overall experience for the hunter. Shooting rests, sticks, tripods, etc. can help to steady the aim of the hunter resulting in greater accuracy and more confidence.
- Before the actual day of the hunt, visit the location, evaluate the terrain, and discuss some of the likely scenarios they may encounter.
- Check the weather before heading out and make sure that they have proper clothing. Layers are always a great way to better ready for whatever mother nature may have in store.
- Don’t put too much emphasis on the harvest. A successful hunt is just getting out in the outdoors, learning, and spending time together.
- Consider shortening the day or taking breaks to enhance the experience. Remember sometimes less is more.
- Last but not least, have fun! Pack their favorite snacks and share some of your favorite hunting memories.
Understand the Season Bag Limit
During the Youth Deer Hunt (October 20 - October 21, 2023), junior hunters may take one antlered deer OR one antlerless deer statewide (without a permit).
- If a junior hunter takes an antlered deer during the Youth Deer Hunt, they are prohibited from taking additional deer unless they have antlerless deer permit(s) or participate in the expanded archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits.
- If a junior hunter takes an antlerless deer without an antlerless deer permit during the Youth Deer Hunt, they are prohibited from taking an antlered deer or additional antlerless deer unless they have antlerless deer permit(s) or participate in the expanded archery season (designated areas only) with appropriate expanded archery permits.
Deer harvested during the Youth Deer Hunt count toward the annual bag limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can go hunting during the Youth Deer Hunt?
Junior hunters who hold a valid junior hunting license (including a lifetime license) can participate in special youth hunting days for bear, deer, spring and fall wild turkey, and migratory waterfowl with their junior hunter supervisor.
What ages can hold a junior hunting license?
All children that have not yet reached their 16th birthday must have a junior hunting license to hunt. There is no minimum age to purchase a junior hunting license.
After a junior hunter’s 16th birthday, they may continue to hunt on their junior license for the remainder of the calendar year with or without taking the hunter safety course. If the junior hunter does take the hunter safety course it must be appropriate for the method in which they intend to hunt with. He or she may then hunt without supervision and keep all the junior hunter permits but must carry their valid junior hunting license as well as their hunter safety card.
If a junior hunter harvests an antlerless deer during the Youth Deer Hunt without an antlerless deer permit, can they still harvest an antlered deer?
If a junior hunter harvests an antlerless deer without a permit during the Youth Deer Hunt, they would be tagged out for the season. If the youth hunter has an antlerless deer permit, they could still fill that tag. If the youth hunter hopes to harvest an antlered deer and an antlerless deer, they should hunt in the district of their antlerless deer permit during the Youth Deer Hunt, so they would still be able to harvest an antlered deer.
Can nonresidents participate in the Youth Deer Hunt?
Yes, the Youth Deer Hunt is open to anyone under the age of 16 that has a valid Junior Hunting License, and those who hold a valid Junior License that turned 16 this calendar year.
If a junior hunter wounds a deer during the Youth Deer Hunt, can the adult supervisor dispatch the deer?
No, the junior hunter is responsible for dispatching the deer. If they are not comfortable with dispatching a deer, they should wait until they feel like they are fully capable of dispatching a deer.
Can an adult supervisor carry hunting equipment during the Youth Deer Hunt?
No, the adult supervisor cannot carry any means to kill during the Youth Deer Hunt while supervising a junior hunter. Note, this does not apply to a sidearm for protection.
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