New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) today announced the 12^th annual Jefferson County Youth Hunt for youth ages 12 through 15. In addition, this year for the first-time participating youth will have the opportunity to hunt pheasants and waterfowl.  

The Youth Hunt program is also being extended to three days with an educational day at the Sackets Harbor Sportsman’s Club beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12; a waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Sept. 18; and a pheasant hunt on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.). The event is free to participants and equipment is provided if necessary. The youth hunt is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsman’s Club and sponsored by the Northern New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the New York Conservation Officers Association.

Signup sheets are available at the Sackets Harbor Sportsman’s Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Road); Akins Archery, 25834 NY-12, Watertown; VanTassel’s Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills; and by contacting ECO Steve Bartoszewski at 315-489-6984 or by email at steven.bartoszewski@dec.ny.gov. Interested youth must sign up prior to Sept. 5.