If you missed the opportunity to join in on a hunter safety course earlier this year in Door and Kewaunee counties, there is still a way to get you out into the woods this fall. Introduced in 2009, the mentor hunting program allows licensed hunters to bring their kids or other individuals into the mix as hunting seasons begin. Mentors and mentees can share one weapon and must stay within arm’s length away from each other. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it has been a popular program, drawing 12,000 new hunters in its first year. DNR Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha says the mentored hunting program is an excellent introduction for people who may be interested in the activity but do not want to make the full commitment right away.

If you get bit by the hunting bug during the mentor hunt, Kratcha says you would be required to take a safety course if you want to participate by yourself. Otherwise, you could always take advantage of the mentor hunting program if you follow the rules, which you can find here.