2023-2024 iSportsman Youth Deer Hunts for New Hunters

iSportsman Staff

The most important aspect of hunting is the history and tradition that it carries through the generations. To continue this time-honored tradition, we’ve rounded up the iSportsman youth deer hunts available this season.  

Best Youth Deer Hunts Available from iSportsman

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces that its time for hunters between the ages of 10 and 16 to apply for the 11th Annual Defeated Creek Youth Deer Management Hunt at Cordell Hull Lake. This is a photo of youth hunters that participated Dec. 4, 2021, at Defeated, Tennessee. (USACE Photo)

Fort Cavazos Youth Deer Hunt- Oct. 28 & Oct. 29, 2023

Avid young hunters will have the opportunity to get a head start at Cavazos’s general deer season. Starting at 12:00 on Oct. 27, 2023, reservations can be made for your young deer enthusiasts, and adults can be included by acquiring a Guest (Guest Observer) permit. More details on Fort Cavazos’s youth deer hunt can be found on their iSportsman portal. Click here to visit the Fort Cavazos iSportsman portal. 

Fort Knox Youth Deer Hunt Oct. 28 & Oct. 29, 2023, and Dec.13-Dec. 20, 2023

Young Kentucky outdoor enthusiasts can visit Fort Knox Oct. 28 & Oct. 29 to try their luck tagging a deer of either sex by firearm. An additional youth deer hunt will be available in December for those who like to plan ahead. Fort Knox offers crisp autumns and winters nestled against the Ohio River. You can find more details on Fort Knox’s youth deer hunt on their iSportsman portal. Click here to visit the Fort Knox iSportsman portal.  

Fort Huachuca Youth Deer Hunt Nov. 10- Nov. 26

Twenty antlered deer hunt permit tags will be available through the Fort Huachuca iSportsman portal, allowing a select group of youth hunters to embark on the challenging desert landscape Huachuca offers. Arizona defines youth hunters as a person less than 18 years old, hunters 16 years old or younger must be accompanied by a licensed adult. More details on Fort Huachuca’s youth deer hunt can be found on their iSportsman portal. Click here to visit the Fort Huachuca iSportsman portal.

Youth Hunting Tips from iSportsman

While young hunters reaching the limits of their youth class may be content with a traditional outing, there are some things to keep in mind for a little one’s first time out in the field: 

1. Their first time out is more about sharing the experience with you, and less about having a successful trip.  Most of the time, the little ones we look after show an interest in our hobbies because they’re ours. While you may believe a harvest is the best measurement of success, for them it will be the quality of your companionship.
2. Getting up early, sitting perfectly still, and being quiet are still difficult for them regardless of their enthusiasm. You can dress them up and take them outdoors, but underneath it all they’re still children. While their first trip is a great opportunity to cover the basics of outdoor etiquette, don’t be surprised should they lose interest as inevitable boredom sets in. Your reaction to this possibility is important to inspire future enthusiasm, see tip number one.
3. Their first time out is a great opportunity to stress the importance of firearms and equipment safety. Even though your average hunting day is full of factors, one goal you can achieve is covering or expanding upon the basics of firearm and other equipment safety with your youth partner. Not only is this a vitally important lesson, but it is also a fantastic cornerstone to their outdoor wealth of knowledge and will set them up for success for years to come.

Learn more youth hunting stories on iSportsmanUSA.

Photos courtesy of DVIDS. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.