With the leaves turning gold, red and yellow, Take-A-Kid Hunting weekend will provide opportunity for adults and kids across Minnesota to connect in the outdoors.

Minnesota residents 18 and older can hunt without a license by bringing along a youth younger than 16 on Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25.

“It’s a great time for experienced hunters to focus on their kids and help them hone outdoor skills,” said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “But it’s an even better opportunity for those who want to kindle an outdoors interest in their children to get outside together and talk, listen and learn.”

Adults hunt for free, but youth must possess a free small-game license, which is available at any DNR license agent or online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense. Standard shooting and possession limits apply.

“Spending quality time in the woods with kids is rewarding,” Kurre said. “As adults, it’s easy for us to forget that someone somewhere helped us first discover the outdoors.”

But kids aren’t the only ones the DNR is targeting to get outdoors. By use of technology, the DNR is trying to introduce hunting to others by making access easier.

“If you’ve got a phone, you can buy a license,” said C.B. Bylander, outreach section chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “If you’ve got a computer, you can download hundreds of great hunting maps and aerial photos. And if you’ve got the time, Minnesota has abundant grouse, deer and other game populations that provide memories for a lifetime.”

Bylander said introducing someone new to hunting is easier because of the apprentice hunter validation provision. This option allows an individual who doesn’t have a required firearm safety certificate to hunt for two years under the supervision of a licensed hunter. Cost of the validation is $3.50, plus the purchase of the necessary hunting license.

“This a great option for friends and family members who have not taken or completed their firearms safety training,” Bylander said. “They can experience a hunt this fall; they can do it in a safe setting with a person they trust.”

Bylander said the DNR has taken other steps in the past decade to make hunting easier and more family friendly. The cost of youth licenses have been cut in half or are free, depending upon age. The draw weight for taking big game by archery has been reduced from 40 to 30 pounds to better accommodate youth, women and older adults. Youth age 17 and younger can now purchase a turkey license without having to participate in the lottery.

Those looking for places to hunt can find some on various links on the DNR’s website.