RALEIGH, NC– The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Youth Deer Hunting Day returns for its second year on Saturday, Sept. 24. On this day, youth younger than 16 will be able to use all legal weapons to hunt deer of either sex on both private lands and public game lands. Any youth that have successfully completed and passed a hunter education course will not be required to be accompanied by an adult.

"Last year's Youth Deer Hunting Day was a great step in introducing our young people to the hunting tradition in North Carolina," said Dell Murphy, chairman of the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council. "This year, we hope to see an increase in participation. Hunters and fisherman are our greatest conservationists, so it's important to get young people into the outdoors."

Licensed adults and hunters age 16 or older may hunt with or without a youth on Sept. 24, but will be restricted to the legal weapon for the open season in that area. During the remainder of hunting seasons, youth younger than 16 are required to use the legal weapon for the open season in the area where they are hunting.

Blaze orange must be worn by all hunters, regardless of the weapon used. The use of dogs for deer hunting is allowed during Youth Deer Hunting Day in areas where it is lawful.

Any deer harvest must be recorded, before the animal is removed from the site of the kill, on a big game harvest report card. These can be acquired from any Wildlife Service Agent or by calling 888-248-6834. Report cards, also known as tags, are non-transferable and are specific to the hunter to which they are issued. The harvest must also be reported to the Wildlife Commission by calling 1-800-I-GOT-ONE or by visiting https://www.ncalvin.org/online/apps/biggame/.

Youth Deer Hunting Day will coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day, held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. Visit www.ncwildlife.org/nhfd to learn about other family-friendly events the Commission is supporting in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.


For more information on hunting in North Carolina, visit www.ncwildlife.org/hunting.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

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Media contact: Ryan Kennemur
919-707-0086
ryan.kennemur@ncwildlife.org