Message from the Commissioner

Hunting and trapping are great opportunities both to spend quality time with friends and family outdoors and to connect with nature. As a hunter myself, I encourage novice hunters to take advantage of DEC’s learning opportunities and encourage experienced hunters to consider becoming a mentor to those eager to learn more.

Once new hunters and trappers receive their hunter education certificate or trapper education certificate, many look for additional training and support before they start hunting or trapping on their own. This year, I am especially pleased to share new learning and experience-based opportunities available for hunters and trappers looking for hands-on training.

DEC’s Next Step courses focus on safety and techniques, and offer students hands-on experience learning practical skills from knowledgeable instructors. These free four-hour courses are currently available for rifle, shotgun, crossbow, archery, fur handling, land trapping, water trapping, and turkey hunting.

Mentored hunts offer an introductory hunting experience and a support system for new hunters. Many groups and organizations throughout New York State offer mentored hunting opportunities, but finding those events can sometimes be difficult. That is why we created the Mentored Hunt Program registration page on DEC’s website. This online resource is for new hunters looking for a mentored hunt as well as organizations offering mentored hunting opportunities.

DEC's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is also a great resource, offering women’s hunter education courses and introductory hunting workshops each year.

If you are a new hunter, or if you know someone who is, check out the Next Step courses and mentored hunts on DEC’s Learn to Hunt Opportunities page dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/learn-to-hunt-opportunities-in-new-york.

Hunt safe, hunt smart, and have an enjoyable and successful season.

Sean Mahar

Interim Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation