By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tom Deffinger of Dent, helps his son Austin, 11, aim at a target at the Southwest Ohio Conservation Club in Cleves. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

Austin Deffinger of Green Township says he can't wait to take part in Ohio's first-ever youth deer gun-hunting season this weekend.

The 11-year-old has been practicing for the event under the careful watch of his father, Tim. The elder Deffinger, a deer meat processor, says hunting is a family tradition.

"My dad brought me up the same way," says Deffinger, 46. "I was the same age Austin is now when I got my first gun. It's exciting to see when (Austin) hunts. He used to hunt squirrels when he was about six. Since I'm a processor, he's always seen me bring deer in and says he wants to try it, too."

Both say they just enjoy the time together bonding. Tim even went through the hunting course with his son to strengthen that parent-child connection.

Adults learn, too

"I recommend adults go through the program" of hunter education with their children, says Deffinger. "I went through it because of him and learned a little more about regulations and things like that."

The state already has "youth-only" days just before the standard hunting season for upland game, wild turkey and waterfowl.

"Many other states, like Iowa, have provided this opportunity for youth and we're looking forward to giving them that chance," says Todd Haines of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Austin and all other participating youth hunters, ages 17 and under, must complete a comprehensive hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license from the state of Ohio (legal ages vary by state and by wildlife category). The course may be taken with an instructor-led course or through home study with an in-person final examination.

"Statistics show that taking this hunter education course has made a sizable decrease in the number of injuries" to hunters, says Dan Frevert, wildlife management supervisor of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

"This course is designed to instill a code of ethics to the hunter," says Frevert. "It teaches responsible instruction on guns and how they work, the different types of ammunition, the handling and field care of wildlife, hunting regulations and general wildlife management."

The youth deer gun season is open statewide on both private and public lands. All participants must wear hunter orange vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls that are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange.

Participants must also possess a valid hunting license and special deer permit and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

"It's not going to be a big harvest," says Haines."We just want to give our young hunters that opportunity."

Ohioans seeking information about this special white-tailed deer hunting season can take advantage of extended call center hours during these days. The (800-945-3543) hot line will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Kentucky weekend

Kentucky's Junior Hunting Weekend is Dec. 27 and 28. Hunters age 15 and younger may hunt deer without a license or permit (hunter education card is required). An unarmed adult must accompany hunters, which is for residents and non-residents. Check the Kentucky Hunting Guide (fw.ky.gov/pdf/0304huntgd.pdf) for specific rules and restrictions.

There is no special period for youth deer gun-hunters in Indiana.

E-mail srhone@enquirer.com