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ST. PAUL - Youth ages 10-15 also are eligible to participate in a special deer season that runs from Thursday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 24, in 12 permit areas of southeastern and 15 deer permit areas of northwestern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

"This youth-only season provides an opportunity for parents, guardians and mentors to schedule and plan a special deer hunt with youth," said Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring program coordinator.

Deer permit areas open to the hunt are 101, 105, 111, 114, 201, 203, 208, 209, 256, 257, 260, 263, 264, 267, 268, 338, 339, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349 and 601.

Youth must meet all firearms safety requirement, purchase a license and use the appropriate firearm for the permit area in which they are hunting. Youth may take a deer of either sex. An adult mentor must accompany the youth but may not hunt or carry a firearm.

The special season should occur when students are on school break.

Public land is open as is private land, provided the youth hunter has landowner permission.

Participating in the youth deer season does not preclude the youth from participating in the regular firearms deer season but any deer harvested do count against the youth's season bag limit.[[In-content Ad]]

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