On September 15 of this year, Deer Reduction Zones began and will continue until January 31 of 2025. With that early hunting comes the Youth Deer Hunt, which took place the weekend of September 28 and 29.
Deer season is a time for many of Gibson Southern’s students to get out and hunt. Elijah Warner, at the high school, spends his winter seasons hunting. Although Warner did not participate in the youth hunt this year, he is a frequent hunter during deer season.
Warner believes youth season is good for new hunters, but if they want to get more serious with a better chance of killing a deer or two, the youth hunt is too early in the year.
“Youth season is usually a fun time for beginners to get the experience of hunting in more manageable climates,” Warner said. “ But, this is usually not the best time to hunt with the weather usually being warmer, causing the deer not to move as much.”
Warner prefers hunting in the colder seasons since he has figured out that tends to be when deer are more common and active.
“Because deer prefer colder weather, the colder the weather, the more active the deer,” Warner said. “Another thing is that most mature deer, or bigger bucks, are almost completely nocturnal, but there are a few occasions they mess up these routines, and this leads to a hunter getting to kill or even just seeing a massive deer.”
Some students from Gibson Southern participated in the youth hunt, like freshman Karsyn Hirsch.
Hirsch is not new to hunting. He rarely goes alone and uses this hobby as a chance to hang out with his family.
“I’ve been hunting for around four to five years,” Hirsch said. “I usually just hunt with my family.”
After hearing about the hunt, Hirsh knew it would be a good opportunity to hunt before gun season began.
“When I go deer hunting during bow season, I use a crossbow, and during gun season, I usually use a 12-gauge shotgun,” Hirsch said. “I would like to do it [the youth hunt] in the future because it is a good way to prepare for gun season.”
Hirsch thinks all new hunters should try to attend the yearly Youth Deer Hunt. The hunt is a good opportunity for new kids to learn more than just shooting but also patience.
“I would definitely recommend this hunt because it is good for younger kids to learn how to shoot different firearms and bows and learn how to wait even when they don’t see anything,” he said.
Hunting is a popular hobby among Gibson Southern students. Another Gibson Southern student who frequently hunts is freshman Kaigan Nossett. Nossett has been hunting for about six years. From that time to now, he has shot many bucks.
“I use a rifle,” Nossett said. “I usually spend four to five hours hunting.”
Freshman Kellen Lewis, like Hirsch, uses hunting season as an opportunity to spend time with family.
“I always hunt with my dad,” Lewis said.
Many of those who participated in the hunt recommend it to new hunters and those who want to spend time outside.
“I would definitely do this hunt again,” Lewis said. “I do recommend this hunt because it gets you outside, and it gets your heart racing.”
On October 1, those who hunt with bows and crossbows were able to head into the woods, and that season lasts through January 5, 2025. Firearms season opens on November 16 and concludes on December 1. Lastly, muzzleloader season is December 7 through 22.
With so many hunters at Gibson Southern, the blaze orange one might see in the woods could easily be a Titan hoping for a trophy buck or waiting to put meat in the freezer.
