Hunting And Outdoor Sports
DEC Hosting St. Lawrence County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
New York DEC, NWTF, and local conservation officers team up for mentored youth hunt this September
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Massena, New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is partnering with environmental conservation police officers, St. Lawrence County wildlife staff, and the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to offer junior hunters ages 12 to 15 an immersive waterfowl and pheasant hunting experience later this month. This two-day event is aimed at inspiring the next generation of hunters while reinforcing safety, conservation ethics, and responsible firearm handling. The program begins with an educational session at the Massena Rod and Gun Club on Sunday, September 21, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. This classroom portion will feature presentations from DEC officers, wildlife experts, and NWTF volunteers covering firearm safety protocols, proper handling of shotguns, species identification, and the legal requirements for hunting waterfowl and upland game in New York State. Students will also learn about conservation funding and how hunting license fees and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition contribute to habitat restoration projects and wildlife management efforts. The field component is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. Here, junior hunters will get hands-on experience under the direct supervision of experienced mentors and environmental conservation officers. Participants will rotate through several hunting stations, including waterfowl blinds and pheasant fields, to gain exposure to multiple hunting scenarios. The mentors will provide one-on-one guidance to ensure safe firearm handling, ethical shot selection, and respect for the environment. Organizers have confirmed that equipment, including firearms and ammunition, will be provided for participants who do not have their own gear, removing cost barriers for first-time hunters. Eligibility requirements are straightforward: each youth must possess a valid New York State small game hunting license and be registered with the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). Parents or guardians are strongly encouraged to attend both portions of the event to support their children and gain insight into modern hunting practices. DEC officials emphasize that this event is as much about community building as it is about hunting, with opportunities for families to connect with conservation officers and other local sportsmen. This event also supports the states broader recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) goals, which are critical as hunting participation continues to decline nationwide. By introducing youth to hunting in a safe, structured environment, DEC and its partners hope to instill a lifelong appreciation for wildlife management and sustainable harvest. Officials stress that hunting plays a vital role in controlling game populations, funding conservation efforts, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The timing of this event aligns with Governor Kathy Hochuls Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to reduce screen time and engage in outdoor recreation for improved physical and mental health. Organizers believe programs like this provide young people with an alternative to sedentary activities, helping them build confidence, discipline, and outdoor skills that carry into adulthood. Slots for the event are filling quickly, and families who miss this opportunity are encouraged to monitor the DEC Mentored Hunting Opportunities page, which lists similar programs statewide. Additional youth days for small game, waterfowl, and turkey hunting are expected throughout the fall season, providing multiple opportunities for young hunters to participate.