New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Cathy Haas today announced that a two-part, hands-on program on youth turkey hunting will be offered in April. This free event is part of the State’s Youth Turkey Program designed to introduce youth ages 12-15 to the fundamentals of turkey hunting and provide an opportunity to hunt on public lands under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

What: Long Island Youth Turkey Hunt

When: Educational day Wednesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; hunting weekend April 20 and 21

Where: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 340 Smith Rd, Shirley, NY 11967

Hunting times begin one hour before sunrise and go until noon. The program is limited to 20 participants and requires youth hunters to possess a Hunter Education Training Certificate, a valid Junior Hunting License for small game, and a valid turkey tag.

The Youth Turkey Program is hosted by DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement and the New York State Conservation Officers Association, with support from the DEC Hunter Education Program, National Wild Turkey Federation, and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Registration for the Youth Turkey Program is open through April 10, 2024. To register, visit DEC’s Mentored Hunts online platform.

Questions about the event can be sent to Environmental Conservation Police Officer Taylor Della Rocco at taylor.dellarocco@dec.ny.gov.