I think the program you are remembering is not the same as the current youth deer season, which I believe is only about 3 yrs old. It is a special antlerless only season for youth under 16 who must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. This years dates are Oct 11,12. The permits are individual permits. It is not an organized group activity. My boy shot his first deer in the 2001 season at age 9 with a 50 cal M/L

http://www.ilstu.edu/~taparme/images/RileyDeer.jpg