Sept. 17, 2011 is Youth Hunting Day

Hunters 15 years of age and younger will have Utah's marshes—and the ducks and geese that go with it—all to themselves on Sept. 17, 2011.

Several states hold youth hunting days, including Utah.

Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited

That's the day Utah hosts its annual Youth Hunting Day.

Justin Dolling, migratory game bird and upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says Youth Hunting Day is a perfect way to get your children involved in duck and goose hunting.

Dolling says the number of ducks in Utah peaks in mid-September. "There's no better time to be in the marsh," he says. "Your kids should see plenty of birds and get plenty of shots."

And your kids should also get your undivided attention. "Adults can't hunt on youth day," Dolling says, "so your kids will get all of your attention. Youth day might be the most enjoyable day you spend in the marsh all season."

Shooting on Sept. 17, 2011 starts at 6:40 a.m.

To participate in the hunt, you must be 15 years of age or younger on Sept. 17, 2011, the day the hunt is held. You must also be a Hunter Education course graduate, have a current hunting license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, and be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more

More information about Youth Hunting Day, including the number of ducks and geese your kids can take, is available on page 23 of the 2011–2012 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook.

A draft copy of the guidebook is available at wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.