PRATT -- Hunting is a valued natural heritage -- one that must be passed on from one generation to the next. But hunter numbers are decreasing, and younger generations are in danger of missing these treasured experiences. And fewer hunters reduces the financial, social, and political support needed for effective wildlife management.

"Pass It On" is a program designed to reverse the declining trend in hunter numbers. While the program is made up of many different subprograms, such as Outdoor Mentors, Shooting Opportunities, Hunting Access, Special Hunts, and Education and Awareness, its most valuable component is you. It takes a hunter to make a hunter, and it is critical that youth learn important life lessons in the outdoors from experienced hunters.

Anyone can become involved by simply taking a youngster hunting this fall. There are new opportunities this year to make those first hunts rewarding, quality experiences. Anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must successfully complete an approved course in hunter education before hunting in Kansas -- except that anyone 15 years old and younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older. There is no minimum age to apply for and receive big game or turkey permits.

Youth Waterfowl Season: In each of the duck zones, two days will be set aside for youth waterfowl hunting (ducks and dark geese). Hunters 15 and younger may hunt under the supervision of an adult 21 or older. See page 17 for season dates. The adult may NOT hunt but must possess all licenses and stamps required to hunt.

Youth/Disabled Deer Season: September 24-25 is a weekend for youth 16 or younger or anyone who has a disability hunting permit to hunt deer. Resident youth 16 years old and all nonresident youth must have a hunting license unless exempt by law, and youth must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. All resident and nonresident permits are valid in this season, and all permit, unit, and equipment restrictions apply, including hunter orange clothing. The adult may not hunt.

Youth Upland Bird Season: November 5-6 is a weekend for youth to hunt pheasants and quail prior to the traditional opening day. Youth 16 and younger may hunt under the supervision of an adult 18 or older. The supervising adult may not hunt. Daily bag limits are half the regular season limits.

Youth Spring Turkey Season: The spring of 2006 will offer a spring turkey season for youth 16 and younger accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The dates are April 7-9. The adult may not hunt.

Other special hunt opportunities and wingshooting clinics will be available. Contact your nearest Kansas Wildlife and Parks office or local sportsmen's group such as chapters of Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is also sponsoring youth/mentor events in cooperation with local sportsmen's groups. Contact Mike Christensen, 316-263-3300 for more information on BBBS events. For more information on "Pass It On," contact Mike Miller, 620-672-5911.