New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) in St. Lawrence County are partnering with the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and DEC Wildlife staff at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area to offer junior hunters ages 12 to 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant with ECOs. The hunt is a two-day event that begins with a classroom portion at the Massena Rod and Gun Club on Wednesday, Sept. 25, followed by a hunt on Saturday, Sept. 28.

WHAT: St. Lawrence County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
WHERE: Massena Rod and Gun Club, 155 Patterson Road, Massena, NY 13662
COST: FREE Program for youth 12 to 15

Educational day: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Hunting day: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game hunting license and register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). The event is free to participants and equipment will be provided if necessary. 

The event is hosted by the Massena Rod and Gun Club and sponsored by the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA), NWTF, and the St. Lawrence County Sportsmen’s Federation.

For more information and to sign-up for the event, please contact Lt. Troy Basford at (315) 265-2757, or ECO Ian Helmer 315-559-8503, or use the following link St. Lawrence County Fall Youth Hunt.

Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 24, 2024.

Individuals interested in participating in a sponsored pheasant hunt or other mentored hunting opportunities can find and register for events in their area on the Mentored Hunting Opportunities page. Mentored and sponsored hunts are added weekly, especially during the late summer, so interested parties are encouraged to check back frequently.

Governor Kathy Hochul is encouraging all New Yorkers to get offline and get outside! The “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign encourages New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the governor's efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families, including signing first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.