Applications Accepted Until Jan. 10, 2026

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Fish and Wildlife today announced that DEC is accepting applications for sponsored hunts. Sponsored hunts are free, non-competitive events coordinated by a group, club, individual, or organization to benefit youth, women, first-time hunters, veterans, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to gain hands-on experience in the field.

“DEC’s sponsored hunts provide a unique opportunity for beginners to learn about hunting in an instructional and supervised setting, which helps novice hunters grow the skills learned in their required hunter education course,” DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Jacqueline Lendrum said. “This program is also a great way for organizations to partner with DEC to mentor the next generation of hunters.”

While sponsored hunts have traditionally been concentrated earlier in the pheasant season, they can also be hosted after deer season, offering a great way to extend hunting opportunities when other seasons wind down. Late-season events provide experienced hunters the chance to mentor participants and reinforce the skills learned in hunter education courses, ensuring they continue to engage in upland hunting beyond the peak fall months. 

Program details and hosting requirements are available for download on DEC’s website. Applications to host a Sponsored Pheasant Hunt must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event and will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2026. As part of this sponsored hunt program, DEC distributes up to 6,000 adult pheasants annually to approved sponsored pheasant hunt coordinators across New York State. Pheasants are provided free of cost, with two pheasants provided per registered hunter.

New hunters interested in participating in a sponsored hunt or other mentored hunting opportunities can find and register for events in their area on DEC’s mentored hunting opportunities page. Mentored and sponsored hunts are added weekly, especially during the late summer, so interested parties should check back frequently.

For more information or to be notified of upcoming webinars about how to hold your own sponsored pheasant hunt, contact DEC’s Reynolds Game Farm at (607) 273-2768 or by e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov (subject: Sponsored pheasant hunt host).