Application deadline for upland bird hunt is Sept. 10

Inexperienced youth and women hunters have until Monday, Sept. 10, to apply for a chance to step into the field with an experienced upland bird hunter at locations across much of Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), hunt participants are paired with mentors from Pheasants Forever, Woodcock Minnesota and the Ruffed Grouse Society. After discussing safety, habitat, ethics, scouting for places to hunt and securing landowner permission when necessary, mentors take participants into the field.

Parents and guardians must accompany youth at all times and at all events.

To participate in the lottery, youth must be 12-17 years old as of Oct. 20; have earned a valid firearms safety certificate; possess a small game license; and have a parent, guardian or adult authorized by a parent or guardian accompany them as a non-firearms carrying mentor to join the youth at a pre-hunt orientation as well as the hunt.

Women need a valid firearms safety certificate or an apprentice hunter validation certification, pheasant stamp (if pheasant hunting) and small game license.

Applications are available online at mndnr.gov/discover or by contacting the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367. Successful applicants will be notified via mail or email by the end of September.

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