Perry Youth Hunt Extravaganza 2011- Updated Sept 19

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESept. 14, 2011 Contacts: Dean Molnar 517-373-1230 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014  New State Law Allows 10-Year-Olds to Hunt Deer, Elk or Bear With a Firearm A change in state law that took effect Sept. 1 makes it legal for 10- and 11- year olds to hunt deer, bear or elk with firearms in Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources announced.  The change is not reflected in the 2011 Hunting and Trapping Digest, because the publication went to press before the law was changed. The regulations change was part of the Hunter Heritage Act, which creates a new mentored hunting program and eliminates the minimum age requirements for hunting in 2012.

This year, hunters less than 14 years of age may hunt on private land with either a firearm deer license or junior combination deer license – if they have successfully completed hunter education training – or an apprentice hunting license. In either case, the youngster must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult designated by the parent or guardian.  Hunters less than 14 years of age may hunt with firearms on private land only.  A youngster hunting deer must be in possession of either a firearms deer license or an antlerless deer license. A youth hunter ages 10 and 11 may use a combination deer license. If the youth has been hunter-safety certified, the accompanying adult must be at least 18 years of age. If the youngster is hunting with an apprentice license, the accompanying adult must be at least 21 years of age.  Beginning in 2012, the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, currently under development by a workgroup convened by the Natural Resources Commission will provide additional hunting opportunities for youngsters less than 10 years of age.
For more information on hunting opportunities in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/hunting.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.  For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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. 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 7pm and 8 pm Sunday.   We will take photos of all successful hunters and display them on our “virtual deer pole.”

Prizes are provided equally to lucky successful and unsuccessful participants on Sunday beginning at approximately 8:30 pm.  For the Sunday event, make sure to park across the road adjacent to the IGA in the grass lot to the north.   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 marked Perry Youth Hunt are to be sent to or dropped off at the Perry VFW at the address above c/o Glen Wunderlich.   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.