Youth ages 12 to 15 can learn about geese and duck hunting in the State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 21st annual youth waterfowl program next month.
The program is split into instructional time and hunting time.
The youth waterfowl program instructional course is set for Oct. 27 at Hubbard County Park in Flanders.
The program includes instruction in:
· Hunting ethics and regulations
· Waterfowl identification
· Firearms safety review
· Retriever and decoy use
· Cold water survival and boating safety
· Trap shooting.
Certified hunter education instructors and DEC Environmental Conservation Officers guide participants through the program and help youth hunters become part of the long tradition of waterfowl hunting on Long Island.
All new applicants must attend the instructional day on Oct. 27 to qualify for hunting on two designated youth hunting days on Long Island, Nov. 10 and 11.
The designated days are set aside outside the regular duck hunting season to allow junior hunters to hunt ducks and geese. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter. Adults cannot hunt on the designated youth hunting days.
“The youth waterfowl program is a great chance for adult hunters to take the younger generation afield, pass down traditions, and share the skills necessary to become safe and responsible members of the hunting community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.
Participants must be 12 to 15 years of age as of Nov. 10 and must have completed the DEC’s hunter education course by Oct. 27, possess a junior small game hunting license by Nov. 10, and be registered with the harvest information program.
For further information regarding the Youth Waterfowl Program or to sign up for the Oct. 27 instructional class, please call the DEC Region I hunter education program 631-444-0255 or email DEC staff. For more information on the Youth Waterfowl Hunt, visit the DEC website.
Applications for the youth waterfowl program are due by Oct. 19. Space is limited to 35 students.
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