The DNR’s youth hunting initiatives appear to be working. The special opportunities presented by youth seasons and weekends are specifically designed to get young people in the field who might otherwise not have the chance. After the Youth Small Game Free Hunting Weekend, a proud father wrote to the DNR with a story of his son’s first hunt. Here’s an excerpt:

“…When I told my 7-year-old son about the free hunting weekend, his face lit up. He counted down the days…He had his hunting clothes laid out and ready for two weeks. Saturday morning came and I whispered in his ear ‘Are you hunting with me this morning?’ He sprang out of bed and nearly knocked me down going for his hunting clothes. We were in the woods by sun up. At least 5 minutes had passed and he whispered to me ‘where are all the squirrels at?’ I told him they were still sleeping and to be patient.

“Thankfully, about 10 minutes later a squirrel awoke and was moving about close by…I couldn’t see the squirrel from my vantage point until after he shot and it dropped to the ground. I will always remember the look on my son’s face when he realized he had his first squirrel. ‘I got him dad,’ he said.

“Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday, he took one shot and got another squirrel and we still had time to make it to church. He told everyone he had two shots and two kills with pictures to prove it! …So for a 7-year-old boy this Youth Small Game Weekend was a big hit. Thanks.”