Jefferson City, MO (September 26, 2007)—The thrill of following a dog on the trail of game and firing at birds as they explode into the air await a youngster in your life. October 27 and 28 youth ages 6 though 15 in Missouri will have quail and pheasant hunting opportunities all to themselves during the state’s first-ever Youth-Only Quail and Pheasant hunting seasons. Youth who are not hunter education certified need properly licensed, hunter ed trained adults to take them afield. The adults cannot hunt, but are encouraged to assist the youngsters. Kids with hunter ed training can take to the fields on their own.
The youth seasons offer experienced quail and pheasant hunters excellent opportunities to serve as mentors and help keep hunting traditions alive. The seasons were established to provide more opportunities for young hunters to participate in the sports and the Missouri Department of Conservation is optimistic the hunting opportunities will help combat declines in the number of Missourians participating in small game hunting.
Conservation areas are great places to enjoy quail hunting. The Conservation Department has ramped up efforts to restore the right mix of habitat for bobwhite quail on public areas. Area management efforts include improving shrubby cover by edge feathering woodland edges and planting native shrubs like wild plum, dogwood and blackberry in and along grassy fields and cropfield edges. Department employees also stay busy conducting prescribed burns and strip disking old fields and warm-season grass fields and planting native grass and wildflower field borders to improve habitat for bobwhite quail and other grassland wildlife.
Before going hunting it is a good idea to brush up on season regulations. The youth-only quail and pheasant seasons takes place Oct. 27 and 28. The daily and possession limits for quail are 8 and 16 respectively. The pheasant limits are two male and four. Pheasant hunting is limited to the north zone. For full details on the seasons check the Conservation Department website, www.missouriconservation.org, or regional office nearest you.
When afield remember to stress hunting safety to young hunters. Make sure all members in the hunting group wear a hat and jacket with the color orange. When hunting in a small group, make sure everyone is aware of where others are in the group. Try to stay in a line when hunting across a field or along wooded draws. When birds flush, make sure you have a clear and safe shot. Never shoot at ground level or at low flying birds. When crossing fences or small creeks, make sure you safely hand your gun to hunting partners. Return the favor when they cross.
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