The purpose of mentored youth hunting is to get kids interested in hunting. I love the concept of it but why in PA does the child need a permit to hunt. Growing up there I didn't have this program. My dad started me off in the woods at the age of 4 and by the time I was nine during deer and small game season I was carrying the weapon he just followed me to make sure I was handling the weapon properly. I just don't think it is right charge a fee to help a kid get interested in hunting. I know my dad was happier seeing me shoot a deer and him tagging it than if he actually shot it.

In Indiana you must have a youth license and go through a hunters education course. There are two weekends a year though where youth can hunt for free. However if your parents own land you can hunt that land without a license under the landowners exemption.

c-rad a youth does not need a permit to go hunting with you. Only to participate in actually taking an animal (squirrels, turkey, deer). The mentored youth permit is the youth's license. He can take even take an anterless deer using your license. The game laws tell you how to fill out the tag.

Best $2.70 I've ever spent. My son started mentored youth hunting before there was a license. Now he feels like he's one of the guys when we go and we BOTH buy our hunting licenses.