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   Applications are open for special youth deer hunts that allow young people to hunt deer with adults in a number of state parks. In a change for this year, lead-free ammunition (mndnr.gov/hunting/ammo/nontoxic.html) will be required without exception for all special youth hunts in Minnesota state parks.

   The special youth deer hunts offer positive experiences and help participating state parks manage their deer population. These firearms hunts are for youth who are age 12-15 at the time of the hunt and are accompanied by an adult. Hunters can apply for a limited number of permits from Monday, July 20, through Friday, Aug. 14.

   Special youth deer hunts are different from the statewide youth deer season, which takes place Oct. 15-18 and does not require an application.

   Hunters who wish to apply for a special hunt or buy licenses online or via the new mobile app (mndnr.gov/buyalicense) will need to have created their online account before applying for a special hunt or buying a license. Anyone who has purchased a license online, by phone or in person in the past will need their nine-digit MNDNR number (visible on their latest license) ready to input when creating their account in the new system. A how-to video on signing in to the electronic licensing system is available on YouTube (youtu.be/s5ETbFV8fXo).

   More information on special hunts is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/special-deer-hunts.html).

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