COLUMBUS — Ohio’s youth hunters will have several opportunities to learn and sharpen their hunting skills this fall. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has outlined several ways for families to hunt together and for youngsters to learn about outdoor traditions.

The youth hunting season began in Ohio on Oct. 1 and 2, when youngsters participated in a youth waterfowl season. Coming up, ODNR has designated Oct. 22 and 23 and 29 and 30 as youth small game season. Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season.

Most likely, young hunters in Meigs County are most interested in hunting the white-tailed deer, and a youth deer-gun season will be open statewide, Nov. 19-20. Hunters age 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during this season in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits.

It is not too early to begin planning for the spring youth wild turkey hunting season for 2012. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. This hunt is open to youths age 17 and younger.

To participate in the upcoming youth hunts, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. A valid 2011-12 youth hunting license is also required, according to ODNR.