With flourishing deer herds and thousands of acres of public lands to hunt, there’s not a better way to entice a youngster to get off the couch and involved in the outdoors. While you don’t need to be an expert, you will need to do your homework and a little preparation before going afield.

Keep safety in mind. Be aware of your surroundings, sure of your target, and remember, bullets have no conscience. Another issue concerns safety of your tree stand, especially if it’s of the homemade variety.

Whatever the case, most tree stand accidents occur when stepping out of it. Always keep a lifeline attached and wear the proper safety belt. It can save you a whole lot of grief.

New regulations this year allow youth hunters to take either a buck and a doe or two does during the three-day season. A deer license is required for each deer hunted, which means hunters wanting to take two deer could purchase three licenses to maximize their opportunity, although only two of the licenses may be filled during the youth season.

Youths under 16 are exempt from the purchase of a hunting license but must possess a youth deer gun license or a apprentice-designated youth gun license or proof of exemption.

For full information and details on the youth deer gun season consult the current Oklahoma Hunting Guide, available at no cost where hunting licenses are sold.