August 29 deadline for bonus youth deer hunts

            Beginning deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in three youth controlled antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private lands in several Oklahoma counties. Applications must be received at the Wildlife Department by 4 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2008.
            The hunts are scheduled for either October or January. This year, 52 bonus antlerless deer gun licenses will be drawn for youth 12 to 16 years of age who have completed their hunter education requirements.
            "These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property.”
            To apply for a hunt, applicants must send the Department a 4” by 6” index card titled "Private Lands Youth Deer Hunts." The card should provide the hunter's name, date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, hunter education certification number, social security or driver’s license number, their order of hunt preferences (may list all 3 hunts) and lifetime license number if applicable. A non-hunting adult who is at least 21 years old must accompany the youth, and must also be listed on the index card. The envelope should be labeled “Private Lands Youth Deer Hunt” and should be mailed to: Department of Wildlife, Attn: Wildlife Division-Youth Deer Hunts, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
 
Hunts will be offered in the following counties:
· Osage County (October 3-5)
· Ellis County (October 10-11)
· Alfalfa County (January 9-11)
 
            The drawing will be held Sept. 4, and successful applicants will receive a notification letter in the mail about their hunt the following week. The letter will inform them of their selection and provide details about the hunt and license requirements. Selected resident youth will need to purchase a $10 Resident Youth Deer Gun License unless they possess an Oklahoma Resident Lifetime Hunting or Resident Lifetime Combination License. Selected nonresidents will need to purchase a $201 Nonresident Deer Gun License. The youth's non-hunting adult does not need a license. Any antlerless deer harvested during the controlled hunt will be considered a bonus deer and will not count against the youths’ combined season limit.
            For additional information concerning the hunts, contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-2739.
 
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