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 between the ages of 12 and 15 to the fundamentals of turkey hunting and provide an opportunity to hunt on public lands under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

“DEC’s Region 1 is pleased to bring back this free event for local youth hunters and their adult mentors,” Director Haas said. “The Youth Turkey Program helps instill responsible hunting practices and ethics in youth hunters and fosters an appreciation for the outdoors and our abundant natural resources.”

The program consists of two parts: an orientation at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on April 19; and a mentored hunt on public lands during the spring youth turkey weekend on April 22 and 23. 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. 

For more information or to register, contact Environmental Conservation Officer Taylor Della Rocco at taylor.dellarocco@dec.ny.gov, call the Regional DEC Hunter Education Office at (631) 444-0255, or email R1SportsmanEducation@dec.ny.gov. Registration for the Youth Turkey Program is open through April 5, 2023.