DEC provides special hunting opportunities for junior hunters (licensees ages 12–15) by offering youth hunts for waterfowl, wild turkey, and pheasants. Junior hunters must have a valid small game license and are required to have a licensed adult hunter accompany them during the youth hunts. Adults are required to have a valid hunting license and are not allowed to possess a firearm or harvest an animal during the special seasons. Both the junior and adult hunters are required to have a turkey permit for the turkey hunt and current HIP registration for the waterfowl hunt. A 2010/11 hunting license is needed to hunt on any youth day in September, and a 2011/12 license is needed after October 1st.
Migratory game bird hunting regulations are set by the federal government in late summer. Final waterfowl seasons and bag limits will be announced in September, so be sure to check the DEC website or the waterfowl hunting guide prior to going afield.
