By Mike Roche

Massachusetts has a number of youth hunting opportunities that are in place to provide supervised mentoring conditions for young people interested in getting involved in hunting. On Sept. 23 and Oct. 7, the Massachusetts Youth Waterfowl Hunt will take place. During the Youth Waterfowl Hunt season dates, only waterfowl hunters ages 12–17 may hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. All youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with a valid MA waterfowl stamp. One firearm only. Adult hunters may not hunt and may carry the firearm only when unloaded and cased. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply.

MassWildlife created Youth Deer Hunt Day to allow young hunters to hunt deer with their own permit. The hunt occurs on a special one-day season before the state’s annual deer hunting seasons. Shotgun deer season regulations apply during the hunt. Licensed hunters who hunt other animals on this date must follow special restrictions. Youth season is open to young hunters aged 12-17. Each child has to be with a licensed adult. Only one minor per licensed adult is permitted. The adult may not use a hunting implement. Each participating youth may receive a free antlerless deer permit.

Massachusetts youth age 15-17 must possess a Massachusetts Minor Hunting License and apply for and receive a free antlerless deer permit for the youth hunt. Non-residents age 15-17 must possess a Massachusetts Non-resident Big Game License and may apply for and receive a free Youth Day Antlerless permit.

You can get a free Youth Deer Permit online at MassFishHunt now or in-person at an authorized license vendor. The Youth permit is valid only for the day of the Youth Deer Hunt. Hunters cannot use it during any other deer hunting seasons.

Massachusetts has a Youth Pheasant Hunt Program developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for Hunter Education graduates aged 12-17 to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult hunter.

The program is divided into multiple parts. Those parts include a seminar and range practice where participants get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and fun hunt. That is followed by a pheasant hunt. Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on one of the six Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. This year, the pheasant hunting season starts on Oct. 14, 2023.

Participants must be between the ages of 12-17 and have graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course (in any state) before the day of the hunt. Participants 15-17 years of age must have a hunting license, a pheasant/quail permit and a Firearms Identification Card (FID) when using a shotgun. If you meet all the requirements listed above, you need to register by Aug. 31. and then complete the Seminar and Range Practice at a participating club.

Several sporting clubs across the state offer the Youth Pheasant Hunt Program which includes a seminar and a mentored hunt. You do not need to be a member of the club to participate in the seminar or the hunt. All participants must complete the seminar before the day of the hunt. You can view a list of participating clubs on the Youth Pheasant registration page on the MassWildlife website.

A spring Turkey Youth Hunt is also offered. The program is open to minors 12 -17 years of age and includes a seminar and a mentored turkey hunt. To participate, youth hunters must graduate from a Basic Hunter Education course before the day of the hunt, complete a seminar before the day of the hunt (This only needs to be completed once; it is not necessary to repeat each year.), and be accompanied by an adult mentor (18 or older) who holds a Massachusetts hunting license and turkey permit. If you are interested, you should look for participating clubs after the first of the year, and make sure to complete a Massachusetts Hunter Education Course.

These cool, crisp mornings are reminding us that the seasons will soon change. My reminders to everyone to shoot your guns and bows are hopefully falling on ears that are paying more attention than mine. Getting gear, dogs and hunters into form is important. There is still, however, a lot good fishing left and the best saltwater fishing, especially for striped bass, is yet to come.

At my weekly training session at Hedgerow Hunt Club with Pat Perry, Pat informed me that they will be ending the kenneling portion of the business on Oct. 15. After 38 years of taking care of dogs 24/7 they will no longer be boarding. That is a disappointment to me and my dogs, but one can hardly blame Pat and Holly for wanting to have a little time to themselves. The training programs will continue as always and at last week’s session, Tessie could not have been better. She made a hard point, was steady to the flush and shot, and retrieved to hand. The veteran, Laney, will now join the party and we will work on the dogs honoring point and retrieving on command. This writer really cannot wait until the season opens!

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the MaharFish’N Game Club, Counselor and Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.

]]>