SALEM Youth age 9-13 have the opportunity to gain hunting experience and learn about Oregons rich hunting heritage through the Mentored Youth Hunter Program.

   This program allows youngsters in that age range to hunt without first passing an approved hunter education program, under the close supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

   The idea is to provide the unlicensed youth with one-on-one field experience and training on the ethics, safety, responsibility, and enjoyment of the hunting.

  As an incentive to participate, youth will receive one mentored youth preference point for each year of registration in the program. Once the department receives the youths registration form, if the youth does not have a hunter identification number, a number will be assigned and a mentored youth preference point updated in the system.

   Wildlife officials say the time shared between a youngster and a mentor is invaluable.

   Participants can register for the Mentored Youth Hunter Program online, at license agents, or by mail.

   For more information, email questions to: mentored.youth@state.or.us

or call 503-947-6027

   Youth who are 14-17 are no longer eligible to participate in the mentor program and must pass an approved hunter education program and possess his or her own license and/or tags.

   The mentor program requires that youth participants register each year and have proof of registration in their possession. They must follow the regulations for the area in which they hunt, and be supervised at all times.

   The mentor must have a valid hunting license and tag(s) valid for the dates, area and species being hunted, and maintain control over the youth, ensuring that all Oregon hunting regulations are followed.