In 1995, the NGPC partnered with private landowners who have extremely high deer populations to conduct mentored hunting for youth. The result is a program where more than 100 youth hunt under veteran Bow Hunter Education Instructors throughout the entire archery season.
Youth are required to fill out an application each year, prior to the season. First time applicants are given priority in the program. Youth must pass a standard checklist and proficiency test prior to acceptance in the program. Hunts follow all state laws and regulations with some additional restrictions. Youth must be between the ages of 12 and 18, still in school, and have permission from a parent or guardian.
To enroll, please call Aaron Hershberger
email: aaron.hershberger@nebraska.gov
Phone: 402-471-6144
or pick up an application at
Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St., in Lincoln.
Pheasants Forever Youth Mentored Pheasant Hunting Program
Perhaps many of us were initiated as hunters on a frozen farm field, walking over corn stubble with shotgun in hand while a bird dog anxiously worked the cover in front of us. You will never forget the sight of the point, the bursting of feathers as the birds erupt from cover, the cackle of the rooster, the sound of guns firing and the feeling you had after your first hunt. Like you, we feel that every child should have the opportunity to experience that same enjoyment.
The NGPC administers the Youth Mentored Pheasant Hunting Program with the Nebraska Pheasants Forever Chapters across the state. Each year, several hundred youth Hunter Education Graduates take part in a day of workshops and hunting sponsored by local pheasant forever chapters.
A typical youth hunt day will include many workshops. First, youth may start with a session under one of Nebraska's dedicated field biologists learning the science behind hunting, wildlife management, about the game they will pursue, and about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Youth may then break into groups where information on dog handling, gun handling, gun cleaning, and other valuable skills will be learned. These prepare the youth for the excitement that is yet to come.
Most sessions will include live firing at the trap range to help prepare youth for the coming hunt. This allows instructors to address the shooting form and capabilities of the youth prior to the hunt.
The hunt is the highlight of the day where youth, under the watchful eye of a qualified mentor. Workshops include dog handling, bird cleaning, clay target shooting, wildlife management, firearm safety, and, of course, the actual hunt, where youth roam the fields under the supervision of a mentor.
