First-come, first-serve; apply now
Ten lucky youth hunters will be chosen for a great hunting opportunity at Weyerhaeuser-Cool Springs Environmental Center in Craven County on Dec. 12. Hunts are only open to ages 12 to 16, and licensed adults must accompany each youth hunter. The adults are not allowed to hunt, but are there to supervise and support the kids.
The hunts are awarded first-come, first-serve, and it is a permit-only hunt. Call 1-888-248-6834 or visit a Wildlife Service Agent to buy permits. Participants and their adult tag-alongs are also required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting on Dec. 5 at the Weyerhaeuser-Cool Springs Environmental Education Center. The meeting lasts from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Only the youth hunters are required to purchase a permit, which costs $5. The deadline for purchasing a permit is Dec. 1.
This is a great opportunity to introduce young folks to hunting, and it puts them in an environment where they will have a better-than-average chance at harvesting a deer, thanks to the management practices followed at Weyerhaeuser-Cool Springs. It’s much better than having an adult walk them out to the woods to blindly hope a deer crosses their path.
“We provide guidance and assistance for each youth hunter every step of the way,” said BB Gillen, Outdoor Skills Coordinator for the NCWRC. “We always have a great time and more often than not, participants harvest a deer,” he said.
To apply for this hunt, or gather more information on this or other permit hunt opportunities, contact BB Gillen at bb.gillen@ncwildlife.org or 919-218-3638, or visit the NCWRC’s permit hunt webpage here.
