Buckhorn State Park
Learn to Hunt Deer Program

At Buckhorn's annual Learn to Hunt Deer Program in November of each year, youth ages 10 and older and adults who have not hunted for more than two years, can have a quality deer hunting experience with their chaperones. Pictures of previous hunters with their harvested deer can be seen at the park office.

A young hunter and his chaperone show off the deer the youth shot in 2008.
DNR Photo

To participate in the November 2012 hunt, download the application form [PDF], complete it, and mail it to the address shown by July 15. Note: A student who has participated in the Sandhill youth deer hunt program is not allowed to participate in the Buckhorn hunt and vice versa.

The workshop is September 8 or 9, and the hunt is on November 3 and 4. The applicant must :

• be age 10 by November 3, 2012.
• have parental/guardian consent if under age 18
• have not previously participated in a Learn to Hunt Deer program
• have not more than two years hunting experience

1. A chaperone must accompany all applicants. Applicants may select a chaperone (i.e., family or friend), or authorize Buckhorn Park to assign a qualified chaperone. This person will not be allowed to hunt or carry a firearm and must be at least 18 years old. The chaperone must have at least five years of deer hunting experience.
2. Successful applicants and their chaperones must attend a workshop in order to participate in the hunt. Chaperone must be the same person at both workshop and hunt weekend.
3. Deer gun hunting license is not required. A back tag will be furnished. This is a bonus deer and will not preclude the harvest of a deer during the regular season. The bag limit will be one deer of either sex. Only shotguns will be permitted; muzzleloaders and rifles are not permitted.
4. Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis and will be notified upon receipt of their applications.
5. Only students and chaperones will be admitted to the workshop. Students and chaperones completing the course will be issued permits authorizing their participation in the hunt.
6. The fee will be $25 to cover course and hunt materials. Do not send fee with application.

Dates and deadlines change from year to year.

For more information, ask Buckhorn State Park, (608) 565-2789.