Wisconsin youth deer hunting begins this weekend, Oct. 7-8

Wisconsin residents and non-residents are gearing up for the Wisconsin youth deer hunting weekend opener. Young hunters from ages 10-17 can apply for a hunting license and go hunting with a mentor, parent, or guardian.

In Minnesota and Wisconsin people applying for a hunting license also have the decision to be an organ donor. Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses have included this option for several years. In Wisconsin, people applying for hunting, fishing or even trapping did not see an option to be an organ donor until 2021.

Although it’s not a requirement to register being an organ donor according to the Wisconsin DNR for a hunting license.

Scott Miller with Northwest Outlet said he didn’t know hunters at 15 years old could be an organ donor when applying for a hunting license in Wisconsin. Minnesota hunters can be as young as 16 years old to be an organ donor when applying for a hunting license.

“I know it’s been a thing every time I get a license when they ask you. I’m a Minnesota resident myself,” Miller said.

The Minnesota youth deer hunting weekend begins October 19th through the 22nd. Miller said when it comes to the Wisconsin youth deer hunting weekend there’s many reminders for new hunters.

“Safety is number one,” Miller said. “If you take a shot at a deer, you always have to know what’s behind your shot, because the bullet can very well go beyond the deer.”

Some safety tips are treating every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard, and never point your weapon at any person.

Miller also recommended bringing a safety, or emergency kit when hunting. He said it can be the difference between life and death in the woods.

“Waterproof matches or something to keep you a little bit warm, like a space blanket works great,” Miller said. “Just a few of those little things that can be the difference between making it home at the end of the day and potentially not making it home if something were to happen.”

For more information about the Wisconsin youth deer hunting season opener you can read more here. For other stories with deer hunting you can read more here.