The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host the 16th annual Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt this fall. The event is designed for junior hunters aged 12 to 15 and offers a chance to hunt alongside Environmental Conservation Police Officers.
The two-day program starts with an educational session at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club on Sunday, September 21, followed by a hunting day on Saturday, September 27. Participation in the event is free, and necessary equipment will be provided if needed.
According to organizers, youth interested in taking part must have a valid New York State hunting license and register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.). The event is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club and sponsored by both the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA).
For more information or to sign up, participants can contact Lt. Steven Bartoszewski at (315) 489-6984 or via email. Registration is also available at the Jefferson County Fall Youth Hunt event page, as well as in person at either the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club or VanTassel’s Gunsmithing in Evans Mills.
Youth must register before September 20 to participate. Additional mentored hunting opportunities are available throughout New York State, with new events added regularly during late summer.
Governor Kathy Hochul has promoted outdoor activities through her “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign. The initiative encourages children and families across New York to take breaks from digital devices and engage in recreational activities outdoors. It also builds on legislation signed by Governor Hochul aimed at protecting young people from addictive social media content and safeguarding their personal data online.
