Youths who have never had the opportunity to go deer hunting can apply for a chance to do just that. The Oklahoma Youth Hunting Program, an all-volunteer, nonprofit group, is seeking applicants to go on hunting trips this coming October.

OYHP President Darrell Noblitt said the group is hoping to mentor about 75 youths this year. The qualifications for the hunters are that they are between 12-17 years old, have never hunted before, and have one parent or guardian to accompany them on the hunt.

Youths will receive pre-hunt training and will have a volunteer guide, hunt-masters and mentors throughout the hunt. All hunts will be conducted on private lands during the state’s annual Youth Deer Gun Season from Oct. 18-21, with meals, equipment and accommodations provided free. The hunters will be required to buy the state’s youth deer gun license.