Young hunters harvested 246 deer during the 2016 Youth Deer Hunt Weekend, down 37 percent from the official 2015 total of 391.
The preliminary total does not include information from all registration stations. The 2016 total is below the average since the special youth deer hunt began in 1999.
Despite poor hunting conditions with heavy rains on Saturday and strong winds throughout Sunday, many youth hunters were still successful, for many what was likely their first deer.
“More importantly, they were safely introduced to the sport by an experienced hunter and hopefully gained some memorable experiences, a new passion, and an appreciation for the state’s wildlife and natural areas," said Dan Bergeron, the Fish and Game Department's Deer Project Leader.
The youth deer weekend gives young people statewide the opportunity to go deer hunting with an adult mentor. Accompanying adults must be licensed hunters and are not allowed to carry a firearm, so they can devote all of their time and attention to coaching their young companions.
Youth also may hunt in New Hampshire during the regular deer seasons. All youth hunters under age 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years or older while hunting.
New Hampshire also offers special opportunities for young hunters through a youth turkey weekend each spring and a youth waterfowl weekend in September.
Updated numbers on the overall deer season are available by clicking here.
For more information about youth hunting in New Hampshire, click here.