Ellie Slovak`s grandmother followed the Ranger into the office to guarantee that Ellie`s would be the first Youth Hunt Permit on record at the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge for 2012. "I want to be able to tell her that I got her permit already," she said. One hundred doe tags were distributed by the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in order that youth could take antlerless deer during the 3-day Youth Hunt at the Refuge. All the permits were claimed by youth from 8 counties in Florida. These numbers would convince many that the southern hunting culture is alive and well in 2012, but that`s not the case.
Unfortunately, nowhere near one hundred young hunters were brought to the woods this past weekend. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge has continually offered Youth Hunts for more than a decade, but this year management added Family Hunts. During Youth Hunts, the adult is the mentor giving direction, but can not hunt nor carry the gun. The Family Hunt allows the mentor to hunt alongside the youth hunter. In fact, up to two youths can accompany the mentor, making this a much more engaging hunt. You still have an opportunity to engage your youth hunters in 3-days of hunting, December 21-23, just before the holiday. FAMILY HUNTS allow an experienced adult hunter to bring up to 2 youth hunters - all can hunt together. FREE permits are available for hunters of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge by calling 352/493-0238. The permit includes Refuge-specific regulations, a map, and all hunt dates as well as information about the annual Hunter Working Group meeting on May 4, 2013. | 
