Activities Promote State’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ Campaign

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 28^th Annual Youth Waterfowl Program for young hunters on Long Island ages 12 to 15 will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, and Nov. 8, 2025. 

“Teaching safe and responsible hunting to the next generation is enjoyable for all who participate, and the Youth Waterfowl Program plays a key role in sustaining this tradition,” said DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas. “The combination of Long Island’s abundant hunting opportunities and experienced mentors make this program a ‘cannot miss’ for interested youth. I look forward to these mentees becoming safe and responsible members of the hunting community.” 

DEC collaborates on the youth program with the New York Conservation Officers Association, Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, Tanglefree, Peconic River Sportsman’s Club, and the South Shore Waterfowlers Association.  

The Youth Waterfowl Program is a special event to help junior hunters prepare for and participate in Youth Waterfowl Days. The program includes instruction in:

• Hunting ethics and regulations;
• Waterfowl identification;
• Firearms safety review;
• Retriever and decoy use;
• Cold water survival and boating safety; and
• Trap shooting. 

The Youth Waterfowl Program instructional course is scheduled Oct. 18, and the designated hunting day is Nov. 8. 

Since its inception in 1998, the Long Island Youth Waterfowl Program has trained approximately 685 young waterfowl hunters. 

Certified hunter education instructors and DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers guide participants through the program and help youth hunters become part of the long tradition of waterfowl hunting on Long Island. All new applicants must attend the instructional day at Peconic River Sportsman’s Club on Oct. 18, which qualifies them for the youth hunt at Southaven County Park or Hubbard County Park on Nov. 8. 

Participants must be 12 to 15 years of age by Nov. 8, have completed a hunter education course by Oct. 18, possess a junior (small game) hunting license by Nov. 8, and be registered with the Harvest Information Program. 

For further information regarding the Youth Waterfowl Program or to sign up for the Oct. 18 instructional class, please contact DEC Region 1 Hunter Education Program at (631) 444-0255 or e-mail R1SportsmanEducation@dec.ny.gov. For more information on the Youth Waterfowl Hunt, visit DEC’s website. 

Applications for the Youth Waterfowl Program are due by October 10. Space is limited to 25 students. 

This program complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ campaign to encourage New Yorkers to put down their phones and screens and spend time in nature. The annual Youth Waterfowl Program provides a perfect opportunity for youth to participate in safe outdoor recreation and learn about wildlife conservation, celebrating New York’s diverse wildlife and habitats. 

About Youth Waterfowl Days:

Each year, two days are set outside the regular duck hunting season in each waterfowl zone to allow junior hunters to hunt ducks and geese. On these Youth Waterfowl Days, junior hunters (ages 12 to 15) must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter. Adults cannot hunt during these two days.