DEC to Host 16th Annual Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are again offering junior hunters ages 12 to 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant with Officers this fall. The hunt is a two-day event that begins with a classroom portion at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club on Sunday, Sept. 21, followed by a hunt on Saturday, Sept. 27. This is the 16th year of the program in Jefferson County. 

WHAT: Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
WHERE: Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club, 17500 County Route 66, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685 (Salt Point Rd)
COST: FREE Program for Youth Ages 12 to 15
Educational day: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Hunting day: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State hunting license and register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.). 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 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA).

For more information and to sign-up for the event, please contact Lt. Steven Bartoszewski at (315) 489-6984 or by email at [email protected], or register at the Jefferson County Fall Youth Hunt event page.

Sign-up sheets are also available at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club, 17500 County Route 66, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685 and at VanTassel's Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills NY 13637.

Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 20, 2025.

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.