New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) in Jefferson County are offering junior hunters ages 12 to 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasants with ECOs this fall. Returning for the 15^th year, the program consists of an educational/safety day at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, followed by a waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Sept. 28, and a pheasant hunt on Sunday, Sept. 29.

WHAT: 15^th Annual Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
WHERE: Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Road), Sackets Harbor, NY
COST: FREE Program for youth 12 to 15
Educational Day: Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.
Waterfowl Hunt Day: Saturday, Sept. 28
Pheasant Hunt Day: Sunday, Sept. 29

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game 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 Sackets Harbor Sportsmen'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:

• Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Rd);
• VanTassel's Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills;
• by contacting ECO Steve Bartoszewski at (315) 489-6984 or by email at bartoszewski@dec.ny.gov; or
• at the following link: Jefferson County Fall Youth Hunt; https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/218187
  

Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 20, 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.

This event complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign to encourage 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.