Here in Idaho, the spring youth turkey season begins 7 days before the general opener and goes all 7 days. In addition, they can use both spring turkey tags during this time. I'm all for giving youth an early crack, but I don't know if I like 7 days and two tags worth leading right up to the opener.
How is it structured in your state?
For comparison, Idaho's youth waterfowl season is two days, a weekend, about a week or so before the general opener.
In Tennessee it is the Saturday and Sunday the weekend before statewide opener.
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Mississippi has a full week of youth also . Some folks think it's to long , but I think it's one of the " few " things that I think we got right ...
Mississippi. One week. I'm probably the only one but don't believe in a youth season at all. I took/ will take mine when its open for everyone. Taking a youth hunting is awesome, but too many (imo) use it not how it was intended to put it nicely. I guess that means my vote is too long- way too long.
In NC, we have a full week prior to our official opener. The youth are allowed to only fill 1 of their 2 tags that week though. I'm glad to see our DNR has seen fit to increase the length of the youth season, as it was only 1 day, 5 or so years ago (the Saturday before our opener).
In PA it's 1 day and it's the Saturday before the regular season starts.
In South Carolina it's two days the weekend before the regular season opens.
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Virginia is 2 days the weekend before regular season. It used to be only the Saturday before season, until Sunday hunting was legalized. I would love for it to be a full week.
Thankful for MS's one week season. With 3 kids eligible to hunt the youth week it would be challenging to get them all an opportunity in 2 days. The good far outweighs the bad.
Three days here around the weekend before the general opener. Under the existing amount of participation, I am okay with it, but I think the age limit should be for kids under fourteen rather than under eighteen, as it is here now. There is no reason kids in their late teens should be considered "youth".
Aso, youth hunters should have to attend and pass a hunter safety course (including being able to read and display an "understanding" of the materials, and pass some sort of firearms proficiency exam...without "daddy or mommy's direct assistance".
In addition, the youth hunt regulation should include a statement that if any adult hunter with "said youth" is caught shooting (or aiding the youth in some way other than providing "guidance"), that individual will lose his/her hunting privileges for some adequate period of time such that it acts as a significant deterrent ("for life" would suit me just fine... ::) )
Yes if you can drive to the hunt your not a youth. Haha
Here in Arkansas it is 2 days and opens the week before regular season - Arkansas did define a youth hunter as being at least 6 years old to 15 - they can only kill one bird - pretty good setup seems to be working
I support youth seasons fully. Wish they had them when I was a kid
In Alabama on my closet WMA we only get one day, the Saturday the weekend before the regular season opens. I really wish they would give us Friday and Saturday. I've got three kids and public is about my only option. With the way my WMA was this year I'm not taking my kids out there during regular season. I'm really grateful for the one day I can take one of them without worrying about some yahoos crawling in on us and doing something stupid.
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It's unbelievable how some of you people are now crying about youth seasons!!!
Jesus, stop blaming everything for your lack of success and get out there and get it done or go golf.
Never did I think the crying would lead to people wanting to take opportunities away from kids!! Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves.
And if the abuse is the reason, you don't punish all kids for it!!! What's next? Y'all want more gun control laws?? STOP shooting yourselves in the damn foot
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Quote from: Prospector on May 12, 2023, 05:16:43 AM
Mississippi. One week. I'm probably the only one but don't believe in a youth season at all. I took/ will take mine when its open for everyone. Taking a youth hunting is awesome, but too many (imo) use it not how it was intended to put it nicely. I guess that means my vote is too long- way too long.
I agree with you 100%.
I also can tell you (referring to another post) its not about taking away opportunities away from kids. I could careless what kids kill what. I think its a "feel good" thing that is right there with "everyone gets a trophy". It teaches the wrong lesson. IMHO
I also don't think it has a single thing to do with the decline of the turkeys. "BUT" if that was found out to be a factor in the decline, how many youth hunt supporters would still support it?
Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 12, 2023, 12:41:47 PM
It's unbelievable how some of you people are now crying about youth seasons!!!
Jesus, stop blaming everything for your lack of success and get out there and get it done or go golf.
Never did I think the crying would lead to people wanting to take opportunities away from kids!! Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves.
And if the abuse is the reason, you don't punish all kids for it!!! What's next? Y'all want more gun control laws?? STOP shooting yourselves in the damn foot
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I messaged our wildlife biologist last year about the one day youth season telling her I wish we got two days and she mentioned how I'd be surprised about the grown men crying about the one day youth hunt we already had. I guess she gets a lot of complaints about the youth hunt. I think she was all for my idea but acted like it would cause an uprising lol.
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I absolutely support our youth season here in Mississippi.
I do question the bonehead that thought is was a good idea to open it during the schoolweek. Typically my kids have 9 weeks test during that time. When my son was a lil fart he could take those test early and wetake a few days to hunt. The now 6th grade teachers aren't nearly accommodating.
My son is like me on when that time of the year comes around. We struggle focusing on anything but turkeys and baseball.
Not sure of the reasoning behind ones thought on shortening the youth season. The stars have to align to get the lil fellas a bird. Or at least they do for us.
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Wisconsin is the weekend before the start of our first season, i don't think there's a bag limit either.
Quote from: jb1069 on May 12, 2023, 01:08:59 PM
Quote from: Prospector on May 12, 2023, 05:16:43 AM
Mississippi. One week. I'm probably the only one but don't believe in a youth season at all. I took/ will take mine when its open for everyone. Taking a youth hunting is awesome, but too many (imo) use it not how it was intended to put it nicely. I guess that means my vote is too long- way too long.
I agree with you 100%.
I also can tell you (referring to another post) its not about taking away opportunities away from kids. I could careless what kids kill what. I think its a "feel good" thing that is right there with "everyone gets a trophy". It teaches the wrong lesson. IMHO
I also don't think it has a single thing to do with the decline of the turkeys. "BUT" if that was found out to be a factor in the decline, how many youth hunt supporters would still support it?
Oh yea, the problem with the world is kids getting to youth hunt.
Also, If it's a problem tied to declines, I'd still support it and would rather the fix come from the adult season not the kids.
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Florida is the weekend before the season (2 days). I do feel for folks with more kids. I think it is fine as it is.
I agree, any adult caught shooting a turkey during youth should have a 10 year ban - second offense is life time ban. Or stone them on the town square. Either would be fine with me.
Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 12, 2023, 01:28:02 PM
Quote from: jb1069 on May 12, 2023, 01:08:59 PM
Quote from: Prospector on May 12, 2023, 05:16:43 AM
Mississippi. One week. I'm probably the only one but don't believe in a youth season at all. I took/ will take mine when its open for everyone. Taking a youth hunting is awesome, but too many (imo) use it not how it was intended to put it nicely. I guess that means my vote is too long- way too long.
I agree with you 100%.
I also can tell you (referring to another post) its not about taking away opportunities away from kids. I could careless what kids kill what. I think its a "feel good" thing that is right there with "everyone gets a trophy". It teaches the wrong lesson. IMHO
I also don't think it has a single thing to do with the decline of the turkeys. "BUT" if that was found out to be a factor in the decline, how many youth hunt supporters would still support it?
Oh yea, the problem with the world is kids getting to youth hunt.
Also, If it's a problem tied to declines, I'd still support it and would rather the fix come from the adult season not the kids.
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FACTS!!
Iowa has a 2 day season that is the weekend before the state wide opener. If the youth doesn't fill that tag they can use it during any of the 4 regular seasons.
Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 12, 2023, 12:41:47 PM
It's unbelievable how some of you people are now crying about youth seasons!!!
Jesus, stop blaming everything for your lack of success and get out there and get it done or go golf.
Never did I think the crying would lead to people wanting to take opportunities away from kids!! Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves.
And if the abuse is the reason, you don't punish all kids for it!!! What's next? Y'all want more gun control laws?? STOP shooting yourselves in the damn foot
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Sir, was asked and gave my opinion. And that's all it is. Your "outrage" doesn't change my mind one whit. And your success comment is not even worth me commenting any further on. Ok, you don't agree- yours is just another opinion as well. Obviously I'm in the minority but I still have a right to express if asked....And I didn't try to shame, ridicule or force my thoughts on anyone. I also gave my reasons in a relatively simple polite way. Now I've said way more in response than your comment deserved.Good day.
Quote from: Prospector on May 12, 2023, 03:33:21 PM
Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 12, 2023, 12:41:47 PM
It's unbelievable how some of you people are now crying about youth seasons!!!
Jesus, stop blaming everything for your lack of success and get out there and get it done or go golf.
Never did I think the crying would lead to people wanting to take opportunities away from kids!! Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves.
And if the abuse is the reason, you don't punish all kids for it!!! What's next? Y'all want more gun control laws?? STOP shooting yourselves in the damn foot
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Sir, was asked and gave my opinion. And that's all it is. Your "outrage" doesn't change my mind one whit. And your success comment is not even worth me commenting any further on. Ok, you don't agree- yours is just another opinion as well. Obviously I'm in the minority but I still have a right to express if asked....And I didn't try to shame, ridicule or force my thoughts on anyone. I also gave my reasons in a relatively simple polite way. Now I've said way more in response than your comment deserved.Good day.
Maybe I am losing it, but I don't remember quoting you to elicit a response back.
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No sir, you are correct you didn't. I took it a bit personal I guess and probably shouldn't have. If you are not from here then you might not know how our "youth season" is abused. However let me say again; I may be opposed to youth seasons ; I am however, not opposed to taking young people hunting. I am also not opposed to young ( or old) peoples success so long as it is legal; even if it's not my particular "cup of tea". To all those whose participation in turkey hunting ( including youth) is both legal and ethical- congratulations and good luck, truly.
Quote from: Prospector on May 12, 2023, 04:16:30 PM
No sir, you are correct you didn't. I took it a bit personal I guess and probably shouldn't have. If you are not from here then you might not know how our "youth season" is abused. However let me say again; I may be opposed to youth seasons ; I am however, not opposed to taking young people hunting. I am also not opposed to young ( or old) peoples success so long as it is legal; even if it's not my particular "cup of tea". To all those whose participation in turkey hunting ( including youth) is both legal and ethical- congratulations and good luck, truly.
No worries bud.
I am not a resident there but I've hunted that state all my life and do yearly, and I am grateful for the opportunities it provides me.
I have no doubt there is abuse but in my opinion, abuse is never a reason to punish the do gooders which is this case would be the kids. I believe we have to be careful of how we fix problems in all of society. To me we fix the issues with harsh enough penalties that the word spreads and people stop outlawing.
However like you said everyone has their own opinions and I respect yours.
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Two days.
Much respect. Hunt in Lauderdale/Kenper counties. Got a big front porch. Would be honored to share a cup of coffee and/or a hunt anytime you happen to be in my area. ????????
I guess it's just not really a concern of mine. I used to take a lot of kids hunting for Illinois youth season, 2 days a week or two prior to regualr season, weather was generally cold as hell and hunting was tough.
We had good times regardless and killed our share of birds.
I can see both sides but it is definitely not a large concern from a population stand point.
Ours is 2 weekends only. 4 days total. Right before our season opens for the biggies. (Regular season). I carry our kids every year during youth season. They have had a wonderful time every time. Usually, they will get to hear alot gobbling and the action is what keeps the kiddos interested. Also, we don't kill a gobbler every year, so it's definitely not a Slam Dunk by any means.
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We get 2 days in Missouri.
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Why a feel good youth season? Heck, just take a kid hunting. You don't need a special season for a kid, just need an adult who is willing and wanting to take a kid.
Quote from: silvestris on May 13, 2023, 02:09:08 AM
Why a feel good youth season? Heck, just take a kid hunting. You don't need a special season for a kid, just need an adult who is willing and wanting to take a kid.
Nobody says they won't/don't take them for regular season.
It's just nice to be able to take them while the hunting may be a little easier, less crowded, less pressured animals etc etc
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Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 13, 2023, 03:04:36 AM
Quote from: silvestris on May 13, 2023, 02:09:08 AM
Why a feel good youth season? Heck, just take a kid hunting. You don't need a special season for a kid, just need an adult who is willing and wanting to take a kid.
Nobody says they won't/don't take them for regular season.
It's just nice to be able to take them while the hunting may be a little easier, less crowded, less pressured animals etc etc
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Exactly Sasquatch.
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I'm not sure I'd take my child on public land in arkansas. You encounter another hunter in the woods more days than not
Totally agree with Mr. Sasquatch. My son goes every time I go on the weekends throughout the entire season. It's so much more difficult to harvest a bird while hunting with kids let along when they have the only gun.
With that being said it helps to get on birds that haven't been messed with. The adults in our hunting club have no mercy on kids hunting any particular bird.
Also we do hunt national forest some during that week but will not throughout adult season. Too risky for me to put my kids in that situation.
All in all we are blessed to have a week to hunt even tho it opens during the week and on a school day. I realize their are folks that abuse this. Outlaws are gonna be outlaws. I would be fine with the state stiffening the penalty as some have said. It would tickle me if decoys and artificial blinds were outlawed as well except for youth season or while hunting with kids.
We need a more presence from our game wardens. We don't have near here in the south.
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You know, it is pretty crazy to think a lot of us wouldn't dare take a kid out hunting on public land now days during the regular season due to what its become. Pre-2020, I would have felt WAY more comfortable doing it. Now days? No way.
"Sorry Junior, public land is just too dangerous and ridiculous now days thanks to those exploiting it for profit and organizations trying to recruit as many turkey hunters as possible".
Sign of the future times of pay 2 play. Kids in another decade or two may not even get the freaking chance to turkey hunt if their parents aren't financially secure enough to own land or have a nice lease.
We don't have a youth season here. I wish we did, would be better hunting with my grandson.
Took my nephew in regular season as well we had a blast
1 day in Pa. Short story Game Warden stops to check youths buck he shot and the warden is congratulating the youth on his accomplishment and the youth turns around and throws dad under the bus telling the warden his dad shot the buck.
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Virginia has a 2 day youth hunt the weekend prior to the general spring opener.
I have no problem with it only being 2 days; we have a liberal 5 week season that's too long as it is. If your kid doesn't get a turkey on youth weekend, there's more than enough time to get him/her one during the regular season.