DEC Announces 27th Annual Youth Waterfowl Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the 27^th Annual Youth Waterfowl Program for young hunters on Long Island ages 12 to 15, will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

"DEC is proud to once again offer the Annual Youth Waterfowl Program to help inspire the next generation of responsible Long Island hunters," said Interim Commissioner Mahar. "The abundant hunting opportunities in the region provide the perfect chance for youth to learn the necessary skills from experienced and knowledgeable mentors. I encourage any interested hunters to sign up and take part in this amazing opportunity."

DEC collaborates on the youth program with the New York Conservation Officers Association, Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, Tanglefree, Peconic River Sportsman's Club, and the South Shore Waterfowlers Association.

The Youth Waterfowl Program is a special event to help junior hunters prepare for and participate in Youth Waterfowl Days. The program includes instruction in:

• Hunting ethics and regulations;
• Waterfowl identification;
• Firearms safety review;
• Retriever and decoy use;
• Cold water survival and boating safety; and
• Trap shooting.

The Youth Waterfowl Program instructional course is set for Oct. 19, and the designated hunting day is Nov. 9.

Since its inception in 1998, the Long Island Youth Waterfowl Program has trained approximately 665 young waterfowl hunters.

Certified hunter education instructors and DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) 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 at Peconic River Sportsman's Club on Oct. 19, which qualifies them for the youth hunt at Southaven County Park or Hubbard County Park on Nov. 9.

Participants must be 12 to 15 years of age by Nov. 8, complete a hunter education course by Oct. 19, possess a junior (small game) hunting license by Nov. 9, and be registered with the Harvest Information Program.

For more information on how to register for this mentored hunting opportunity, please visit the event registration page; or to find additional mentored hunting opportunities in your area, visit HuntFishNY events listings.

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