Youth waterfowl primer

Early season youth hunts are a great time to teach kids to be safe and responsible hunters and gun handlers. (Photo by Darren Digby)

Prepare the next generation of duck hunters by taking advantage of the special youth-only hunts

Early birds fresh to the wintering grounds eager to plop into decoys. It may sound like a pipedream to many veteran waterfowlers, but it’s more common than not during the annual youth hunts that take place a week prior to the chaos the birds face on the main opening day a week later.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting a number of early season youth hunts for others’ kids, and now enjoy being able to take my own. In all cases, the kids enjoyed shooting opportunities with decoy-friendly ducks and typically fairly mild weather conditions. I’ve found the early season hunts to be particularly ideal given not many kids have all the critical gear to stay warm during colder weather.

This year, youth hunters (only those aged 17 or younger) will get first shot at the ducks on Nov. 2 and 3 in the West Zone. Of note, though last year West Zone veterans were given the first weekend of the season, this year they’ll be allotted special access at the very end of the season, Feb. 1 and 2. In the East Zone, youth hunters will get their shot on both Saturday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Feb. 1, as will Louisiana’s veterans of the same zone.

For those youth and veteran hunts taking place on the front end of the season, it’s worth noting that the special early season limits on both mottled ducks and scaup will apply. Specifically, no mottled ducks may be taken on these hunts, and only one scaup per person per day will be allowed.

All about the kids

Before heading out, plan for success with the little ones, and that includes managing expectations for both the young guns and any adults that may be supervising and facilitating these outings. These specially-allocated hunting days are about making it the kids’ day, and only about them. Depending on the level of confidence and comfort, that could mean heading out later than usual, or coming in sooner than adults may be accustomed to.

Modern day conveniences in the form of rechargeable hand warmers and portable catalytic heaters can be game-changing in the event the weekend proves cold. Regardless of weather, proper ear protection is also critical.

Depending on the child, the day being a success could be simply making the trip, or for some it may result in hefty hauls for those competent with their shooting. For others, even just a single bird being harvested can make the day and give them much to talk about back at school. My own kids were ecstatic when a single gadwall afforded them an easy shot landing in the decoys during the 2023 youth weekend.

Whether the action is hot or sluggish, packing along ample snacks and drinks can go a long way in the kids’ enjoyment of the outing, and ultimately encourage them to want to go again. And that’s really what it’s all about, finding a way to get young hunters hooked in outdoor pursuits and wanting to go again and again. The legacy of our state’s long and storied history in waterfowl hunting depends critically on the next generation wanting to head afield, hopefully being taught to do it the right way from the start.

 

About Darren Digby 72 Articles
Darren Digby has been hunting and fishing the marshes of Southeast Louisiana since childhood. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Ella.