The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that its Hunter Education Program will offer a two-day youth hunting safety course on April 12 and 13. This initiative is part of the State’s Youth Conservation Program, aimed at introducing students aged 12 to 16 to the fundamentals of conservation, hunter education, and general outdoor skills.
The course is scheduled to take place at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville and is open to youth who have not yet completed their Hunter Education course. Applications must be submitted by March 24, 2025, and are available on DEC’s Hunter Education Program webpage under the “Long Island Youth Conservation Program” section. The class is limited to 30 participants. Those who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate, a requirement for purchasing a hunting license.
This program aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages New York’s youth and families to disconnect from digital devices and engage in outdoor activities to promote physical and mental health.
For more information or to register for the Youth Conservation Program, interested individuals can contact the DEC Hunter Education Office.
