On October 19th the annual Youth Waterfowl Program will be held at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club (PRSC) in Manorville. Sponsored by NYSDEC, Suffolk County Parks, the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club, the South Shore Waterfowlers Association, and Ducks Unlimited, this NYSDEC Hunter Education Program introduces licensed junior hunters between 12 and 15 years of age to the skills, knowledge, and safety aspects related to waterfowl hunting. The two-part program begins with an Instructional Day on October 19th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at PRSC. Topics include hunting ethics and regulations, waterfowl identification, firearms safety, retriever and decoy use, cold water survival and boating safety, and trap shooting. An adult mentored Hunt Day will be held on November 9th at Southaven County Park in Yaphank, and Hubbard Creek County Park in Flanders. The hunts will be supervised by experienced licensed adult hunters, Hunter Education Instructors, and Environmental Conservation Officers. Participants must have completed a Hunter Education Course and possess a NYS Junior Hunting License prior to November 9. To register call 631-444-0255 or email the NYSDEC Hunter Ed office at R1SportsmanEducation@dec.ny.gov by October 11, 2024. Space is limited to 25 students.
