Youth Squirrel and Pheasant Seasons Approaching
Young hunters will once again have an opportunity to hunt squirrels during a special two-day youth hunt that will be held on October 12 and 14. A new addition this year to the youth season will be pheasant hunting and the opportunity to participate in a mentored pheasant hunt.
All special youth hunts are open to junior license holders or any junior hunter (ages 12 to 16) who has successfully completed a Hunter-Trapper Education class. A hunting license is not a requirement for the hunts, but the hunter safety course is.
I began my hunting career by sighting down the barrel of a 16 gauge at a squirrel that was feeding high in an oak tree, and I introduced my sons to hunting in the same manner. A squirrel hunt provides a perfect opportunity for a father, mother, or mentor to guide and watch over a beginning hunter. In that controlled setting, it is easy to offer hunting tips and observe hunter safety lessons in practice. The youth hunt offers an atmosphere free from adult competition.
New This Fall
Over 13,500 ring-necked pheasants will be stocked for the first ever Youth Pheasant Hunts at locations listed in the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations. The three nearby areas that are being stocked for the youth hunt are Bald Eagle State Park near Howard, State Game Lands 77 between Ramey and Janesville (Clearfield Co.) and Raystown Lake Area 420 along Rte. 26 just past the Hesston intersection.
Mentored Youth Pheasant hunts are another new addition from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and cooperating clubs and organizations across the state. Fourteen groups scattered throughout the state have volunteered to hold Mentored Youth Pheasant Hunts, which will give youngsters an opportunity to be guided by experienced hunters during the event.
The Three Point Sportsman Club, in Centre County, is the closest organization that is hosting a Mentored Youth Pheasant Hunt. Club spokesman Steve Demyan explained that about 50 pheasants, a mixture of hens and roosters, will be released on State Game Lands 100 north of Clarence. Demyan explained, “The hunt will take place on a section of old strip mines that was reclaimed by the Game Commission last year and planted with warm season grasses.”
Thirty-six youngsters ages 12 to 16 have already signed up to participate in this year’s hunt, which will begin at approximately 9 a.m. on October 12. Demyan, who as a teenager experienced the better pheasant hunting in Northampton County, said, “Many young hunters in our area of the state have never even seen a pheasant, so this hunt will be a good opportunity to let them try pheasant hunting.”
Hunters will be divided into groups of five and assigned one or more club mentors, explained Demyan. They will proceed walking slowly through the cover, hoping to flush birds. Game cleaning, skinning and hot wax plucking demonstrations, as well as a picnic lunch will be held after the hunt.
The hunt was advertised through the club as well as on the Game Commission’s website and in the regulations digest. Demyan said, “The hunt has attracted young hunters from as far away as Altoona, Spring Grove, and one father is bringing his son from near the New Jersey border.” Unfortunately, according to Demyan, they had more youth show interest than they could handle, so their registration was full as early as two weeks ago. Area youths can still hunt pheasants at Bald Eagle State Park or one of the other previously mentioned locations on October 12 and 14.
The youth squirrel hunt has been a successful addition to hunting season for the past few years, and the new youth pheasant hunt may prove even more popular. I encourage Tyrone and Bellwood area clubs to follow the lead of the Three Point Sportsman and sponsor a mentored youth hunt for next fall.
Mark Nale can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com
