Women, men and youth who want to learn the basics of deer hunting are invited to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) annual Deer Day.

The event, hosted by the DNR’s Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program, will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Wilkens Farm near Mora in Kanabec County.

Youth who posses a firearms safety certificate can attend if accompanied by a guardian.

“Deer Day is a great opportunity to learn the basics of deer hunting in a supportive, safe and non-intimidating outdoor setting,” said Linda Bylander, who coordinates family and women’s outdoor skills
classes.

Participants will learn about deer, deer habitat and deer habits during several presentations.

Hands-on activities include learning to track deer; learning how to place and use deer stands safely; and learning shotgun, rifle, archery and muzzleloader shooting.

Instructors will be DNR wildlife staff, DNR conservation officers, BOW volunteers and members of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

“The beauty of this event is that participants learn from DNR deer management and hunting safety experts, as well as others who have skills to share,” said Bylander.

The program fee is $20 per family, which includes an instructional DVD on deer hunting and field dressing.

To register, contact BOW Coordinator Linda Bylander at 218-833-8628 or via email at linda.bylander@dnr.state.mn.us. Registration is limited to the first 60 registrations. Lunch will be served.

To see a complete list of programs available through the Becoming An Outdoors Woman program, visit http://mmndnr.gov/bow.