"DEC is extremely excited to give Long Island youth hunters their first opportunity to hunt pheasants right here at home, said Peter A. Scully, DEC Regional Director. "This special hunting season not only provides Long Islands junior hunters a brand new outdoor recreational opportunity, but it is also a chance for adult hunters and mentors to pass down their tradition, knowledge and experiences from one generation to the next, and help raise responsible local hunters."
Pheasant hunting was one of the first hunting experiences for many of todays adult hunters, and this two-day hunt will help maintain this traditional introduction to hunting. Less crowded hunting conditions, experienced adult hunters and dog handlers and mild weather combine to provide an exceptional upland hunting experience for junior hunters.
During youth hunts, junior hunters are able to spend time afield with experienced adult hunters to gain valuable and necessary knowledge and skills to become a safe and responsible member of the hunting community, and to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature.
Requirements to take part in the Suffolk and Nassau County Youth Pheasant Hunt include:
Hunters must be 12-15 years of age, complete a Hunter Education course and have a junior hunting license.
Youth 12-13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 21 years of age, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14-15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 18 years of age, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license. The adult may assist the youth hunter, but may not carry a firearm.v Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset each day.
The bag limit for the youth weekend is two birds.
All other pheasant hunting regulations are in effect.
DEC is releasing adult pheasants on specific sites for the Youth Pheasant Hunt weekend. Junior hunters can hunt on DEC properties listed below with a good chance of finding released birds.
A seasonal access permit is required to hunt on these properties, and can be found on DEC's website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/accesspermit.pdf.
Stocked hunting areas include:
Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area, parking areas: 2-5, 9-10, 13-14, 16, 18, 20-21, 26-28, 30, and 40-42.
Otis Pike Preserve, parking areas: 1- 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 - 12, 17 - 22, 36 - 37 and 39 - 42.
A permission form is available in the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping guide for parents/legal guardians to allow a licensed hunter to accompany their junior hunter in the field. The guide can be found online: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html
For additional hunting information on DEC managed lands, contact the regional wildlife office (631) 444-0310.
All first-time hunters must pass a Hunter Education course before they can get a license in New York state. Trained instructors certified by DEC teach safe and responsible outdoor practices and the important role of hunters and trappers in conservation. All courses are free of charge. The course covers basic firearms handling and outdoor skills plus hunting techniques. Minimum course time is 10 hours. Minimum age for course is 11 years.
Please visit our website for class listings: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9191.htm
The list is updated weekly as more classes become available. To learn more about hunter safety courses, please contact DECs Sportsmens Education Office at (631) 444-0255.
Hunter Safety:
According to hunting safety data, the chance of an injury to a hunter is very low and the probability that the non-hunting public will be injured by a hunter is negligible.
New York has an extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters, largely due to the annual efforts of over 3,000 dedicated volunteer Sportsman Education instructors. Follow the cardinal rules of hunting safety: (1) assume every gun is loaded; (2) control the muzzle; (3) keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; (4) be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it and (5) wear hunter orange.
For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please visit the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.htm
For tips and further details on regulations on pheasant hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8363.html
Source: NYSDEC press release dated Oct. 13, 2011
