Contributed photos

New York Mills area youth got a jump start on the hunting season last weekend as part of the annual Minnesota youth deer hunt. The official rifle opening weekend is set for November 4-5, but youth hunters were able to hunt during the Education Minnesota (formerly MEA) break. Above: Jordanna Huwe, age 10, shot her first deer on October 21. She is the daughter of Jared and Sandy Huwe. Top left: Payge Hendrickx, age 15 of Perham, shot this 11 point 260 lbs. buck on the first night of the youth hunt in Hillview. Top right: Kacie Steinbach shot this 16 point buck on Thursday morning with the guidance of her dad. Top middle: Aaron Aanenson, age 10, shot this 10 point buck during the youth hunt. This was the first time he has been hunting.