Minnesota’s Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is set for September 26th and 27th.
The Minnesota DNR says the weekend gives families an opportunity to introduce young people to hunting and outdoor recreation. Licensed adult Minnesota residents can hunt small game without a license when accompanied by a youth under 16.
DNR Volunteer Mentor Program Coordinator Benji Kohn says the weekend provides a good opportunity for families to spend time outdoors together.
“It’s really just a good excuse to have some family time outdoors and take the kids out and let them experience a little bit of small game hunting.”
Kohn says small game hunting can be a good starting point for younger hunters.
“You can take small game with something as simple as a small BB gun or a 17 caliber air rifle all the way up to a larger rifle. So even a small child that’s in 4th, 5th grade can come out and if they’re confident with shooting a BB gun, they can come out and plunk away at some squirrels or rabbits.”
Kohn says having an experienced adult mentor a young hunter can also help teach safe firearm handling and responsible hunting practices.
“Starting when you’re young and having somebody kind of mentor you, a parent or a relative or somebody that can watch over you, kind of mentor you through how to do stuff and make sure that you are handling a firearm safely and just walk you through that process is super valuable.”
More information about Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is available on the Minnesota DNR’s website.
