New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Cathy Haas today announced that a two-day, hands-on program on youth hunting safety will be offered in April by DEC’s Hunter Education unit. It is part of the state’s Youth Conservation Program designed to introduce students between the ages of 12 and 16 to the basic principles of conservation, hunter education and general outdoorsmanship.
“Generations of young people have received their initial introduction to conservation and hunting ethics through their participation in the Youth Conservation Program,” Director Haas said. “By starting young people early in this program, we are building a conservation ethic that remains with them throughout their lives and makes them responsible hunters and long-time stewards of the island’s wildlife populations.”
The course will take place on April 20 and 21, 2024, at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville and is open to youths who have not yet taken their Hunter Education course. Applications must be returned by April 1, 2024, and can be found on DEC’s Hunter Education Program webpage at the end of the Hunter Education Course section.
This class is limited to 35 participants. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate. This certificate is required to purchase a hunting license.
The Youth Conservation Program is part of the New York Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative and since 1994, this regional hunter safety event has been sponsored by the DEC’s Hunter Education Program, the New York State Conservation Officers Association, and the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club. The Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. It includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.
