KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Hunters across the Heartland are looking forward to firearms deer season.

And while they still have a few weeks to wait, young hunters will get their shot this weekend. Youth firearms deer season kicks off Saturday morning for kids ages six to 15.

“They can use any deer permits whether they're landowner or purchased Missouri resident or non-resident. They can use their youth permits that are youth only for ammoless or deer, but they're only allowed to take one deer during this weekend 2 day event,” said Conservation Agent Marsha Jones.

All deer must be checked by 10 p.m. on the day that they're taken.

Jones says youth hunting weekend plays an important part in helping to education younger generations about the importance of managing the deer population.

She also wants to remind hungers that safety is key this weekend. All hunters, including bow hunters, must wear hunter orange hats and vests to help make them more visible.