Wildlife Commission Schedules Youth Deer Hunting Day on Sept. 28

RALEIGH, NC (Sept. 12, 2019) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has designated Saturday, Sept. 28, as a Youth Deer Hunting Day for 2019. On this day, youth 17 and younger may use any legal weapon to hunt deer of either sex and are not required to be accompanied by an adult if they have completed a hunter education course. The Youth Deer Hunting Day provisions apply to both private and public lands. 

Hunters age 18 and older with a valid hunting license may use only the weapon that is legal for the type of season open in their county on this day. All hunters must wear blaze orange on Sept. 28, even if using archery equipment. The use of dogs for deer hunting is allowed on Youth Hunting Day in areas where it is lawful. During the remainder of hunting seasons, youth 17 and younger are required to use the legal weapon for the open season in the area where they are hunting.

Photo credit Thomas Harvey/NCWRC

Youth Deer Hunting Day, which coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, was established in 2015 to increase interest in deer hunting among youth, potentially increase their success at hunting, and highlight the need to engage youth in hunting.

Hunters can report their big game harvests either by phone at 800-I-GOT-ONE (800-446-8663), online at “Report a Harvest” or at a participating Wildlife Service Agent location.

For more information on hunting in North Carolina, visit the Commission’s website, www.ncwildlife.org/hunting. For more information on the four family-friendly events the Commission is supporting in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, visit www.ncwildlife.org/nhfd.

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.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.