3rd Annual Michigan Youth Hunt Contest

[IR john]

3rd Annual Michigan Youth Hunt Contest

This years contest has many changes. We’re adding several more sponsors and youth opportunities, and adding a bear hunt to a youth hunter between the ages of 12-16. Our goal is to have all 83 counties in our state represented by an Organization, Sportsman’s or Gun Club.

The vision of the program is to help pass on our hunting heritage to the next generation. We hope to teach the youth in a hands-on program, the proper ethics of hunting, how to scout for deer and bear signs and explain the importance of their role to keep the sport alive by being a good sportsman or sportswomen.

We are in the process of contacting Sportsman’s Clubs and Gun Clubs and other Organizations to volunteer for the program and offer their expertise to take out a youth hunter in their county. We are also looking into contacting all the Hunter Safety Instructors in the state to help inform their students of the contest.

This program is a great outlet to get kids off the couch. To get parents more involved with their kids and most important, for role model hunters to properly pass on our hunting heritage.

At the bottom of this post will be the current sponsors to date, along with the county they are representing. If your Sportsman’s Club, Gun Club or Organization is not listed and would like to sponsor a youth hunt for the 2008 season, or if you would like to make a donation to the program. Please contact me at michiganyouthhunt@yahoo.com / attention John Ingersoll.

We have big visions of a statewide united youth hunting program to benefit our hunting sport. The program was started by two ordinary hunters with a great love of hunting, and a great desire to give something back. Please take the time to get involved and give our kids an opportunity to get started in the sport of hunting. I will update this website as new counties are represented and prizes and sponsorship are added.

The 2008 3rd Annual Michigan Youth Hunt Contest

This year is very exciting; with the vision of having every county represented for a youth hunt. This is a RIFLE HUNT ONLY for youth ages 12-16. This year we are offering several, Youth Firearm Deer Hunts and one Youth Bear Hunt to date.

We will update each counties representative and what type of hunt is available for that county, as we receive them. Each hunt may differ as to what you are responsible for! Last year all hunters were responsible for transportation, license, food and lodging. This year we have some generous sponsors and some hunts will include lodging and food.

Rules of the contest:

1. YOU MUST NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY HARVESTED A DEER OR BEAR BEFORE.

2. You are between the ages of 12-16.

3. You must have taken and passed a Michigan Hunters Safety Course.

4. You must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To enter this years contest, please send in a small essay stating why you think you should be picked for the Michigan Youth Deer Hunt or the Michigan Youth Bear Hunt

Send all entries to michiganyouthhunt@yahoo.com.
Please specify which hunt you are interested in. Good Luck!
Winners announced September 1, 2008

2008 SPONSORS

Ernie Brosseau / Daylight in the Swamp Taxidermy
231-347-9789 - CHARLEVOIX COUNTY

John Ingersoll / John’s Mobile Marine Service
231-330-0887 - EMMET COUNTY

Livingston Gun Club
517-404-1908 (Jeff LaFave) - LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Blue Road Bucks Outfitters
906-852-3650 (Hank) - ONTONAGON/HOUGHTON COUNTY

Availible Hunts

Hunt Number – 024YDH
County – CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Ernie Brosseau / Daylight in the Swamp Taxidermy 231-347-9789

Hunt Number – 015YDH
County – EMMET COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – John Ingersoll / John’s Mobile Marine Service 231-330-0887


Hunt Number – 047YDH
County – LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Livingston Gun Club 517-404-1908 (Jeff LaFave)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH1
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH2
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YBH
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Bear Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)
******special notes*****
1) The license application dates are May 1 - June 1 thru the MDNR and is done on a point system.
2) Applicants must apply for Baraga or Amasa Units
3) Anyone who applies for this hunt number will be contacted to see if they obtained a license before the winner is announced.


PUBLICATIONS

http://www.hooksandbullets.com/page_16.html
http://www.hooksandbullets.com/page_17.html

2008 Entries (Updated January 2, 2007)

Dear John and Ernie,

Hi my name is Chace Davies. I am 13 years old. This year I just missed getting you my e-mail to be entered in the contest to win the youth deer hunt. So I wanted to e-mail you as quickly as I could to make sure I have a chance next year. I know it is a year away but I am so excited I had to send this right now. One time I went with some of my uncles while they deer hunted and I had the best time ever. Since then I knew that I wanted to hunt as soon as I was old enough. I always ask my dad to take me to Gander Mountain to look at the deer rifles and hunting clothes. I go home and dream about shooting my first buck. A guy at my dads work, his girl shot her first dear this year. I was really excited for her and I can’t wait for my first chance. I am a Boy Scout and I just passed off my rifle merit badge at Scout Camp so I know I am a good shot. I also passed my hunters safety class. My dad told me if I work hard this year and save up half the money for a rifle he will pay the other half for me. He even told me he would get me a safe to keep it in. I have already started saving I have $10. I would really like the chance to shoot a deer. I know it will be the funniest time ever if I win and get to hunt and shoot a deer. I hope you will choose me for your program. This would be one of the best times of my life. Thank you for being so nice and giving kids a chance to shoot their first deer.
Chace





LISTED BELOW IS THE INFORMATION FOR THE 2007 SEASON – I WILL UPDATE THE INFORMATION WHEN THE 2008 INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE


Youth Firearm Deer Season - 2007
There will be a youth firearm deer season on September 22-23, 2007, on all lands in Michigan. A youth 10-16 years of age with a firearm or combination license may take an antlered or antlerless deer during this special two-day season. An antlerless license or a Deer Management Assistance permit, if issued for the area/land upon which hunting, is valid for only antlerless deer. Archery and junior archery deer licenses are not valid for this hunt. The bag limit for this season is one deer.

Youths 10 and 11 years of age are restricted to archery-only hunting. Youths 12 and 13 are restricted to firearm hunting only on private land including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program. The youth must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older. An adult accompanying a youth firearm deer hunter cannot possess or carry a firearm or bow and arrow and does not need a deer hunting license. Hunters may not use bait during this season. All youth hunters are required to wear hunter orange.

Special Rules for Young Hunters (10-16 Years of Age)
Hunters can be licensed at age 10. A hunter must be at least 12 years old to hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm. Hunters age 12-13 may hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm only on private land, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program.
Exception: Everyone 10 or older is required to have a license to hunt when participating in a bear or bobcat hunt with dogs.
To obtain a regular hunting license, your parent or guardian must accompany you to a license agent. You must fill out an application and present your Michigan hunter safety certificate at this time. For information on hunter safety classes, contact the nearest DNR Operations Service Center or search online.
Hunters under age 17, when afield, other than on land where their parent or guardian lives, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older designated by their parent or guardian. "Accompanied by" requires the adult to be able to come to the immediate aid of the other person and staying within a distance from the other person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.
Nonresidents under the age of 17 may purchase resident and junior licenses.
The minimum age requirements for all licenses are listed with the License Fees. Youngsters who apply for a license through a drawing must be the minimum age when the license is purchased.
Resident junior archery deer hunting, junior small game, and junior fur harvester licenses are available to resident and nonresident hunters, ages 10-16, and grant the same privileges as the adult licenses.

Q. How many antlerless licenses can I apply for or purchase?
From July 15 through August 15, a person can make one (1) application for a public land antlerless deer hunting license.
Young hunters, ages 10 to 16, may purchase one antlerless deer hunting license over the counter July 15 through August 15. No application fee or drawing is required. These licenses are available only for deer management units open to the taking of antlerless deer. These licenses may be purchased for either public or private land. A youth must appear in person with a parent or guardian to purchase the Junior Antlerless Deer Hunting License. Youngsters 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Nonresidents under 17 are allowed to purchase resident licenses.
Beginning August 16, all private land antlerless deer hunting licenses are sold over the counter. Statewide, hunters may purchase one private land or one public land antlerless deer license each day. There is a season limit of three private land antlerless licenses per person, of which no more than two may be purchased for Zones 1 and 2 combined (except for the special regulation units in Zone 2).
BEAR AND ELK LICENSE OPPORTUNITY
FOR YOUTH AND HUNTERS WITH AN ADVANCED ILLNESS
If you want to apply for the bear or elk drawings, please use E-License.
Applicants who are successful in the bear or elk license drawings may transfer their drawing success to a youth or to any person of legal hunting age with an advanced illness. Advanced illness is a specific medical condition as defined by the Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978 [MCL 333.5653]. Eligibility under this provision requires an advanced illness diagnosis by a physician.
Drawing Success Donors
• Those who wish to transfer (donate) their drawing success must complete one of the following forms:
o Request to Transfer Bear Drawing Success (PDF)
o Request to Transfer Elk Drawing Success (PDF)
• It is unlawful for an individual to transfer their drawing success for a fee, or transfer their drawing success and then guide that person for a fee.
Drawing Success Recipients
• Youth recipients must have applied during the current application period and been unsuccessful in the drawing. This requirement does not apply to adult or youth recipients with an advanced illness.
• Youth recipients must be ages 10-16 to qualify to receive another’s bear drawing success, and ages 12-16 to qualify to receive another’s elk drawing success. A parent or legal guardian must complete this registration for a youth under the age of 17.
• Adult recipients with an advanced illness must provide a written statement of advanced illness certified by a physician. Click here to view and print the advanced illness certification form.
• Recipients will be randomly selected. You will be notified by phone if you are selected to receive a transfer, at which time you may purchase the license.
• This registration only applies to the current license year, and does not guarantee you will receive another hunter's drawing success.
License Registration Transfer Types
Eligible persons who wish to receive another's drawing success may register for bear, elk, or both. If registering for both, you must register for bear and elk separately during the appropriate time periods. Choose the type below.
Elk (Only available 6/15/2007 to 7/15/2007)
Bear (Only available 4/15/2007 to 7/15/2007)

[IR john]

Letters from past winners!

Youth hunt 2OO6

Hi my name is Eric my daughter got picked to do the youth hunt. I am replying to tell you that this was a hunt of a life time for myself and my daughter.I will start of by telling you she did not get a deer.That was the only bad part of the whole weekend. Iwill start of by telling you she had many chances to shoot from a large doe to a spike horn up to a good 6 point.She has spent many hours in the woods but when it came down to it buck fever was to great.She felt very bad that she let down everybody.I told her that she did not let anybody down it was just part of hunting. Dad felt really bad but did not tell her.The reason that she got buck fever is that she wanted it that much more then someone that would just shoot and have no emotion.Back to the hunt.When John called us my daughter was beside herself.The many phone calls from John and his friend Ernie(from Day in the swamp taxidermy)made Sarah that much more excited to get up ther and start hunting.We got up there early so Ernie invited use over. After ten minutes I felt like family.He set her up with one of his guns better suited for her and she fired of a few rounds.Then we went over to the place that she was going to hunt with that help of his neighbor Rich and saw 16 deer with one nice 6 point.That made her not sleep much.I want to say right now that the time that John, Erine and Rich had spent to setup scout and host myself and my daughter was more than most people would do for people they don't even know . I guess that it was for the love of hunting and getting others involved in it ( my daughter Sarah) .The youth hunt was what they had to offer and it was the time of our life. It was the best opportunity for a youth that you could ask for.The friendship that we made was hard to put in words. For people that up until that weekend we did not even know that would do so much for us and other youth hunters for the true love of hunting and friendship.I still am having a hard time expressing my thanks for everything that you did for us.I also thank Erines Wife for opening there home for Sarah and I along with filling our bellys with fine cooking.Just like Brittney the other youth hunter the guys took time dring the day to take Sarah fishing to catch some salmon.To watch my little daughter reel in those fish was nothing short of amazing.I could talk much more about everything they did for us but i dont have time to tell it. But what I would say to everyone that has a youth please think about involving your kids in hunting with this youth hunt it is a chance of a lifetime to hunt and make friends that live to hunt and share it with others. Thanks again!!!! We will never forget



(From, Brittneys dad)

Well first of all I would like to thank John for a great time! He is a great guide and a very caring person. My daughter had a great time as well. John was a heck of a guide and even took us fishing, letting Brittney land about 15- 20 salmons. Best of all was the preparation, scouting and the time he took to help guide her in taking down a nice 6pt buck. The look on her face after shooting that buck was out of this world.

I must be honest here..... I was skeptical about taking Brittney on this trip as I myself wondered, "why would these guys do this for these kids." I thought that there had to be a catch, so I asked John and Ernie from Day in the Swamp, why, why would you do this for these kids? They pointed out about how the sport is dying and how they want to pass the sport on to the next generation. They also pointed out how there are so many young kids that are sitting and wasting their lives playing video games because they never had the opportunity to go hunting. Ernie also explained as he held back tears, about how his father taught him to hunt and how he would like to give the same gift to others. He worded it best when he told a story of a Grandfather and grandson that he took on a hunt. He said after the young boy harvested a deer, the grandfathers head swelled with pride and the grandfather cried tears of joy. Ernie said at that point his own wife looked at him and whispered, " now I think I understand why you do this."

Well I can tell you that these guys have two of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. These two guys put the word sport in sportsman! These guys care about this sport and go out of their way to pass the hunting tradition on to the next generation. I am overwhelmed in knowing that there are guys out there that take this much pride in this sport!

While watching John fish, I noticed that most of the kids at the fishing hole knew and respected him. I also noticed that out of all the people fishing, John and the kids that knew him were about the only ones catching fish. My guess is that he probably taught most of them how to do it. I also noticed that most of the kids would release the fish, "above the dam"..to help the salmons trip upsteam easier...just as John would.
John, I have always taking all my girls hunting and fishing with me, but you my friend showed me a whole other side of hunting in a way that I never seen it before.......You have showed me that its not all about me...its about them!
God Bless!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/bdeer1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/bdeer4.jpg

[steelhead007]

looks like a great thing you got going for the kids.good job!! i respect your effort in this but i am one that is against the special youth hunt weekend(i know it is mis-used by many) and against the dropping of the legal hunting age.

[IR john]

Letters from past Winners

YOUTH HUNT 2007


From Sarah's Dad:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif My daughters first deer
First I want to thank John Ingersoll for putting on the 2nd annual michigan youth hunt.My daughter was picked for a free hunt in Petoskey.This was one of the best times we had .If you know of a youth that would like to hunt and has not gotten a deer plaese check out the other forum Michigan youngsters in the out-of-doors.2nd I would like to thank Ernie Brossau our guide owner of Daylight in the swamp taxidermy (in Petoskey ) who will be mounting my daughters deer head along with other gifts they received from the hunt.I can't say enough good about these people ( friends ) and how they treated my daughter and myself.Sarah my daughter got this 8 point 145lb field dressed buck saturday night.She was sitting on a hay bail looking south at 10 doe for about 1/2 hour and then from the east wood line came a small doe running right at here. It scared her for a minute then four bucks came in behind her 2 spikes 1 four and this 8 point buck.She moved all the way to the left shook for a few minutes ( that felt like hours ) and shot a 100 yards.This is what she found 50 yards away.Thanks again to John and Ernie for helping out the youth hunters.Please check out the other forum for information of the hunt and the gifts that we got plus the free hunt some other lucky youth hunter could win.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/Copy_of_Copy_of_Youth_hunt_2030.jpg

Letter from Keith:

First, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to go hunting. The Youth Hunt was one of the best experiences I've ever had! I didn't have the equipment, know-how, location or the people to hunt with. Therefore, without you I would've never had the chance to experience something so incredible. I learned so much and had so much fun!
When I was sitting in the blind and saw that HUGE 5 point buck come out of the woods, my stomach dropped and I couldn't breathe! I was so excited and John was telling me I only had about ten seconds to take the shot. I didn't have a clear shot because the deer kept moving, and going behind trees. Finally, the deer was in a good position and I had my chance. It was the perfect shot, and with John's coaching, I took it! I hit the deer at about 100 yards and it ran right into the open field and stopped. When we got to the deer it was an enormous 5 point buck! This had to be the most exciting moment ever! After my great experience getting my first deer, we drove over to the fishin' hole in town with the deer tied to the top of our car! I was so proud.
The salmon fishing was a lot of fun! John taught me the art of salmon fishing, and I was getting good by the end of the weekend.
Ernie and John were both very welcoming to my family and I. Ernie was also very nice about letting us look around his taxidermy shop, which was really interesting. He has worked on so many different kinds of animals. That was an experience I would never get at home!
I can never thank both of you enough. I'm not done hunting - this was only the beginning! I will remember the Youth Hunt weekend for the rest of my life! Someday, I hope I can help someone the way you helped me.

Sincerely,
Keith


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6491.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6451.jpg

[Ninja]

Looks great on the surface....but a 10 or 11 year old who has harvested a deer with a bow is ineligible???

[IR john]

ATTENTION - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are trying to expand this program statewide, with a represenative in all 83 counties.


If your Sportsman’s Club, Gun Club or Organization is not listed and would like to sponsor a youth hunt for the 2008 season, or if you would like to make a donation to the program. Please contact me at michiganyouthhunt@yahoo.com (michiganyouthhunt@yahoo.com)

Availible Hunts

Hunt Number – 024YDH
County – CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Ernie Brosseau / Daylight in the Swamp Taxidermy 231-347-9789

Hunt Number – 015YDH
County – EMMET COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – John Ingersoll / John’s Mobile Marine Service 231-330-0887


Hunt Number – 047YDH
County – LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Hunters responsibility
Lodging – Hunters responsibility
Sponsor – Livingston Gun Club 517-404-1908 (Jeff LaFave)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH1
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YDH2
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Deer Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)


Hunt Number – 066-131YBH
County – ONTONAGON / HOUGHTON COUNTIES
Type of Hunt – Youth Firearm Bear Hunt
Land Type – Private
Age of Hunter – 12-16
Weapon Available – YES
License - Hunters responsibility
Transportation - Hunters responsibility
Food - Supplied
Lodging – Supplied
Sponsor – Blue Road Bucks Outfitters 906-852-3650 (Hank)
******special notes*****
1) The license application dates are May 1 - June 1 thru the MDNR and is done on a point system.
2) Applicants must apply for Baraga or Amasa Units
3) Anyone who applies for this hunt number will be contacted to see if they obtained a license before the winner is announced.

[IR john]

The Youth Hunt Program has been a rewarding experience for both myself and Ernie. Being able to give back just a little something to our sport is a honor. We had a great time with the kids and felt extremely blessed to be apart of something so special.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/IMG_6502.jpg

[IR john]

In 2007 I also took another youth, Joshua on his first deer hunt. The second day of the Michigan Youth Hunt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/2007YouthHUnt.jpg

I did the same in 2006 and took ryan on his Youth Hunt on the Second and final day of the season.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/jci63/ryan.jpg

[IR john]

We now have a website.

http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/ (http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/)

[IR john]

Prize update - Please visit our website. - http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/ (http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/)