Mentored youth hunting opportunities available at Ponca SP

Mentored youth hunting opportunities for deer and turkey are available at Ponca State Park thanks to newly acquired property.

Youth aged 15 and under, upon completion of an application and securing a special use permit, may hunt the Craig Oldsen Family Outdoor and Education Area located near the park.

Craig and Heather Oldsen donated 158 acres of their family farm to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation earlier this year. Their goal is to provide youth and their parents access to hunting land where they can learn about conservation.

Hunters may obtain applications and special use permits at Ponca SP; sign up for the following month begins on the 15^th of the month prior. Youth must carry the special use permit, as well as a deer or turkey permit, while hunting.

Only youths may hunt. Mentors are to guide, see to the safety of the youth and provide a quality hunting experience.

Available hunts within seasons are archery deer, muzzleloader deer and turkey (archery or shotgun). Harvest of either-sex deer is allowed.

Reservations can be made on applications to hunt either a Bluffs Unit or River Bottom Unit. Reservations can be requested to hunt either Friday through Sunday or Monday through Thursday.

Blinds and tree stands are allowed but must be removed at the end of hunting period specified on the special use permit. Screw-in steps are prohibited.

See the 2024 Big Game Guide and 2024 Turkey Guide for information on seasons at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps.

For more information on the hunts, contact Ponca SP at 402-755-2284 or ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov.