Waterfowl Hunting Workshop

For the second year in a row, the refuge and our partners from the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife's R3 Hunting & Shooting Programand theWallkill River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited hosted a waterfowl hunting workshop on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The workshop was open to new or inexperienced hunters and those who may be interested in getting back into waterfowl hunting.

This was an opportunity for participants to get hands-on experience with gear, decoys, boats and equipment as well as learn from and ask questions to some of the leading experts in the field of waterfowl hunting. The program included an in-depth mixture of classroom and field demonstrations and a free lunch was provided by Ducks Unlimited.

The workshop was designed to educate hunters and to recruit, retain, and reactivate waterfowl hunters to preserve this storied tradition. Participants gained knowledge that will help them feel comfortable to begin their first waterfowl season, or their first season back after a long hiatus. The Refuge Conservation Law Enforcement Officer gave a presentation about waterfowl hunting regulations and was able to help directly answer hunters' questions. Ducks Unlimited and the State's R3 Program provided presentations as well as several opportunities to try out and familiarize oneself with equipment, decoys and other items to be successful in the field. This workshop was a space for learning and sharing information.

Although it was a waterfowl hunting workshop, the emphasis was on hunting puddle ducks. The workshop was designed to get waterfowl hunters excited for the upcoming season! It was great to see the passion for waterfowl hunting and the enthusiasm for getting new hunters out there.

The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge provides ample opportunity for hunting and public hunting is permitted on approximately 5,000 acres in New Jersey and 160 acres in New York in accordance with those states' seasons.