Westar Energy to Sponsor Annual Youth Deer Hunts

Applications for Jeffrey Energy Center youth deer hunt due Nov. 2

Westar Energy Green Team wills host rifle deer hunts for youth and their mentors who don't have deer hunting experience. The Green Team’s annual youth deer hunts are designed to encourage youth who are interested in learning more about hunting to give it a try. The hunts provide safe and fun hunting experiences where the odds of success are high.

Youth 12 and older are invited to apply. Hunts will be conducted at Jeffrey Energy Center just north of St. Marys during both the early and late firearm deer seasons, Nov. 28-Dec. 9 and Jan. 1-13.

A limited number of slots will be awarded to applicants first-come, first-served. Each young hunter must be accompanied by an adult mentor to participate. Hunting will be done from blinds, and mentor/youth pairs will be guided by experienced Westar Energy employees who are volunteering their time. Hunters are encouraged to bring their own rifle, but one can provide if necessary.

An orientation session will be held on Saturday, November 17, when organizers will go over safety, deer biology, and assist youth with sighting in rifles.

Hunts will be held in early morning or late afternoon. Deer are very abundant in this area, and success rates have always been high. Every hunter must have a Unit 9 deer permit from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Hunters 16 and older must also possess a hunting license and hunter education certificate.

Applications will be accepted through November 2, and successful hunters will be notified by November 7. To apply, contact Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125.