Youth Corner
Your guide to getting started in hunting — no experience needed, no gear budget assumed, no gatekeeping. Just straight answers for young hunters and their families.
Am I Ready to Hunt?
Take the 2-minute readiness quiz to find out where you stand — and what to learn next.
Where to Start
Getting Started
Everything you need to know before your first hunt — explained simply.
Hunter Education Finder
Find your state's hunter ed course, age requirements, and sign up links.
Youth Seasons by State
Special youth-only hunting seasons and dates across all 50 states.
First Hunt Checklist
Build your gear list on a budget. Everything you need — nothing you don't.
Best First Hunts
Not every species is right for a first-time hunter. These are the best starting points.
Dove
EasyFast action, short hunts, easy to clean. The perfect first hunt for most youth.
Squirrel
EasyTeaches patience and marksmanship in a forgiving, low-pressure setting.
Turkey
ModerateExciting calling, close encounters. A real trophy experience for young hunters.
Whitetail Deer
ModerateThe classic first big game hunt. Abundant, accessible, fills the freezer.
Youth Hunting Organizations
These organizations run youth hunts, mentoring programs, and outdoor education events nationwide.
NWTF Jakes Program
Turkey conservation + youth hunts (ages 0–17)
Pheasants Forever Youth
Habitat education + first hunts (ages 0–18)
DU Greenwings
Waterfowl conservation + outdoor events (ages 0–17)
RMEF Youth
Elk conservation + outdoor education (ages 0–18)
NRA Youth Programs
Shooting sports + hunting skills (ages 0–18)
National Deer Association
Field to Fork youth hunts + mentoring (ages 0–18)
Safari Club International
Sensory Safari + youth conservation (ages 0–18)
Scholastic Shooting Sports
Team-based clay target shooting (ages 12–18)
Youth Hunting Guides
For Parents & Mentors
Hunting is one of the most meaningful things you can share with a young person. It teaches patience, responsibility, respect for nature, and self-reliance. Every page in the Youth Corner is designed to be read together — by the young hunter and the adult guiding them.