Minnesota Youth 15 and Younger No Longer Need Free Small Game License

With many small game seasons open and pheasant season soon to open, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters that youth age 15 or younger no longer need a free license to hunt small game.

In recent years, youth age 15 and under were able to hunt for free but were required to have a complimentary license in their possession.

“This hunting season it’s very simple for kids 15 and younger,” said Jay Johnson, DNR hunting recruitment and retention supervisor. “They can hunt grouse, squirrels, ducks, pheasant and rabbits without any license or stamps.”

Johnson said youth hunters still need to comply with firearms safety certification and other requirements. Free and reduced price licenses are one of the tools the DNR is using to encourage youth to experience and continue hunting, he said.

Youth 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Grouse season opened Saturday, Sept. 14. Waterfowl season opened Saturday, Sept. 21. Pheasant season opens Saturday, Oct. 12.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Minnesotacharged with conserving and managing the state's natural resources. The agency maintains areas such as state parks, state forests, recreational trails, and recreation areas as well as managingminerals, wildlife, and forestry. The agency is currently divided into sections Ecological Resources, Enforcement, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Lands and Minerals, Waterways, Parks and Trails, and Waters.