The Hunter Outreach Program and Partners in the Field provide opportunities, annually, for Colorado's youth hunters to participate in one (of several) big game hunts for elk, pronghorn, or deer. Each hunt is organized and supervised by Outreach Program certified Huntmasters and volunteers. Youth hunters, selected through an application process (detail, below) are treated to an 'experience of a lifetime' that includes firearm safety training, field safety, hunting skills and techniques, hunter ethics and responsibility—and camp chores!
Youth, between the ages of 12 and 17, are eligible to participate in the program. (This program is available to Colorado resident youth only.) Also:
- All youth must meet Colorado hunter education requirements prior to the hunt.
- First-time applicants receive priority for selection.
- Applicants who have successfully drawn a limited license may still apply for this hunt.
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany the youth hunter on the hunt, and the parent or guardian must also meet Colorado hunter education requirements. (A mentor will be provided for youths who do not have a parent or guardian with a valid hunter education card, but the parent or guardian must still accompany the youth on the hunt.)
- Applicants awarded a youth hunt must be able to attend the hunt for which they have been selected.
The application package contains applications for all youth hunts—pheasant, waterfowl, and big game. Mail the completed application package to the one of the addresses in the application. (Application is now closed for the 2009 hunts. Please check back here for announcements of future hunts.)
Remember: If you applied last year, but were not chosen, you can re-apply this year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Youth who have previously been selected for and participated in a Hunter Outreach Program big game hunt are not eligible to apply again.