Young hunters wanting to experience waterfowl hunting can apply by Oct. 25 to go on a guided duck hunt from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Duck hunting can be daunting, especially for a beginner. The gear, the setup, the regulations and so many things to try to figure out lead some youths to give up without even trying.
Applicants must be 12 to 15 years old and have proof of successfully completing a certified hunter education course. They also must have an adult guardian who can accompany them on the hunt.
Locations for this year's hunts will be at Packsaddle and Hackberry Flat wildlife management areas, Fort Cobb State Park, Fort Gibson Lake, Keystone Lake and Vann's Lake. Applicants are asked to rank their location choices when they apply.
Selected youths will coordinate the hunting date with the Wildlife Department expert who will guide the youth and the adult guardian on the controlled hunt. Only the youth hunter is allowed to hunt. The Wildlife Department will provide ammunition and a shotgun if the youth doesn’t have his or her own shotgun.
Last year, 12-year-old Ryatt was selected for a guided youth duck hunt. Learn what he said about his experience in the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal.
For more information, go online to wildlifedepartment.com/education/youth-opp/guided-youth-waterfowl-hunts or contact Jason Rockwell, migratory bird technician for the Wildlife Department, at (405) 406-2675 or jason.rockwell@odwc.ok.gov.