Youth Hunting Seasons

Many states offer special youth-only hunting seasons — often before the general season opens, with less pressure and more opportunity. Here are the major youth seasons across key states.

Important: Dates change annually. Always verify with your state's wildlife agency before planning. The dates below are typical timing — check the current year's proclamation for exact dates.

Filter by State

Arizona

Deer

Youth-only Coues/mule deer hunts in January

Ages 10-17. Separate draw.

Javelina

Youth-only javelina hunt

Great first big game experience in AZ.

Colorado

Deer & Elk

Youth-only weekend in October (varies)

Ages 12-17 with mentor. Separate license required.

Turkey

Youth spring turkey: 1 week before regular season

Ages 12-17.

Small Game

Same as adult season

Youth can hunt with mentored program at age 10+.

Georgia

Deer

Youth deer weekend in September

Ages 16 and under with adult. Earliest deer season in the state.

Idaho

Deer & Elk

Youth-only controlled hunts available

Ages 10-17. Apply through controlled hunt process.

Turkey

Youth spring turkey: before general opener

Check annual proclamation for exact dates.

Missouri

Deer

Youth firearms deer: 2 weekends in November

Ages 6-15 with adult mentor within arm's reach.

Turkey

Youth spring turkey weekend in April

Ages 6-15.

Montana

Deer & Elk

Youth hunting weekend in October (2 days before general)

Ages 10-15 with mentor.

Upland Birds

Youth pheasant/partridge opener 1 week early

Ages 10-15.

Nevada

Deer

Youth-only deer hunts (draw)

Ages 12-17. Check NDOW for current tags.

Upland Game

Same as adult season

No separate youth season for upland.

New Mexico

Deer & Elk

Youth-only big game hunts (draw)

Ages 10-17. Favorable draw odds for youth.

Turkey

Youth spring turkey before adult season

Check current proclamation.

Oregon

Deer & Elk

Youth weekend in early October

Ages 12-17 with licensed adult within sight/voice.

Waterfowl

Youth waterfowl day before general opener

Ages 9-17.

Texas

Deer

Youth-only weekends: late October + early January

Ages 16 and under. No license cost under 17.

Turkey

Youth spring turkey: 1 weekend before general

Ages 16 and under.

Dove

Special Youth-Only dove days in September

Ages 16 and under.

Utah

General Deer

Youth general season deer: extended dates

Ages 12-17 with adult mentor.

Pheasant

Youth pheasant day: 1 week before opener

Free at designated WMAs.

Wyoming

Deer & Antelope

Youth-only weekend in mid-October

Ages 11-17 with licensed adult.

Elk

No separate youth season

Youth draw same tags as adults.