Getting youth outdoors in pursuit of squirrels, rabbits and other small game is the focus of Take a Kid Hunting Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24. During the weekend, adult Minnesota residents accompanied by a youth younger than age 16 may hunt small game without a license, although they must comply with open seasons, limits and other regulations.

Hunting small game is a great way to introduce kids to hunting. Kids learn how to search for game sign, properly handle firearms and access hunting land — all without too much time sitting still and being quiet. Anyone who wants to learn how to hunt can find helpful how-to guides on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/gohunting) plus a recorded webinar about how to get started small game hunting (youtube.com/watch?v=Y-GP0ASgC0w). Small game hunting regulations are available at the Minnesota DNR small game hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/smallgame).