New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Long Island Regional Director Cathy Haas today announced that DEC’s Hunter Education unit is offering a two-day program on youth hunting safety on April 20 and 21. These hands-on courses are part of the State’s Youth Conservation Program designed to introduce students between the ages of 12 and 16 to the basic principles of conservation, hunter education, and general outdoorsmanship.

“Generations of young people were introduced to conservation and hunting ethics through their participation in the Youth Conservation Program,” Director Haas said. “By starting young people early in this program, DEC is building a conservation ethic that will remain with them throughout their lives and grows the next generation of responsible hunters and stewards of Long Island’s wildlife populations.”  

The course will take place on April 20 and 21 at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville and is open to youth who have not yet taken their Hunter Education course. Applications must be returned by April 1 and can be found on DEC’s Hunter Education Program webpage under the “Long Island Youth Conservation Program” section.

This class is limited to 35 participants. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate. This certificate is required to purchase a hunting license.

The Youth Conservation Program is part of the New York Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative. Since 1994, DEC’s Hunter Education Program, the New York State Conservation Officers Association, and the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club have sponsored this regional hunter safety event. The Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. It includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. 

For more information or to register for the Youth Conservation Program, contact the DEC Hunter Education Office by phone at (631) 444-0255 or email.