By Glen Wunderlich Outdoor Columnist Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
This weekend is a big one for any Michigan youth deer hunter, because they have their own special season. And, the little town of Perry celebrates the occasion in a big way hosting the 7th annual Perry Youth Hunt Extravaganza. You’ll find all the necessary details below.
While many traditional American values are going the way of the streetcar, not so in this case. In fact, hunting ages have been lowered in recent years, and for the first year, youths as low as 10 years of age can even hunt with crossbows (firearms cannot be used until they reach 12 years of age, and then, only on private land.) Our youth hunters and those across the nation have proved that they are actually safer than the adults, too.
We members of the Perry Sons of Amvets have worked hard since last year’s Youth Hunt saving 10 percent of our dinner and breakfast event proceeds and put them to work for the kids. It’s commitment and dedication to carry on the great Michigan hunting heritage that speaks volumes and it’s unrivaled anywhere else in Michigan. There are no entry fees, no qualifications to bag a deer – only enthusiastic youngsters that want to hunt.
The 7th Annual Perry Youth Hunt Extravaganza is an event whereby young hunters are provided with an opportunity to display deer taken in the two-day Youth Firearm Deer Season, September 25 and 26 and the chance to win valuable prizes. The Youth Firearms Deer Season is open on all lands in Michigan.
A youth 10 to 16 years of age with a firearm or combination license may take an antlered or antlerless deer during this special two-day season. Archery and junior archery licenses are not valid for this hunt. The bag limit for the season is one deer.
Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Youths 12 and 13 can use firearms but are restricted to firearm hunting on private land only. All youth hunters must wear Hunter Orange and must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older. An adult accompanying a youth firearm deer hunter cannot possess or carry a firearm or bow and arrow and does not need a deer hunting license. It is unlawful to use bait during this season.
Deer may be brought to the Perry VFW at 601 S. Main St, Perry, MI 48872 beginning at 10 am each day to register for the prize drawing on Sunday. It is not necessary to harvest a deer to be eligible for the prize drawing; only a valid deer hunting license is required to register, but unsuccessful hunters will only be registered between 7 pm and 8 pm Sunday.
Prizes are provided equally to successful and unsuccessful participants on Sunday beginning at approximately 8:30 pm. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to support this worthwhile event through charitable contributions. The Perry Youth Hunt Extravaganza is a function of the Perry Sons of AMVETS Post 4064 and all gifts and donations are tax deductible. Discounts for goods and/or services being offered by businesses are not considered as prizes.
Donations are to be sent to or dropped off at the Perry VFW c/o Glen Wunderlich. Make sure to mark them Perry Youth Hunt. Checks are to be made payable to Perry Sons of Amvets.
If you have any questions, contact Chairman Glen Wunderlich during daytime hours only at (517) 404-7737 or via email at glenway@acd.net. Come join the fun and excitement and support the future of a great Michigan heritage.
