For Release: Wednesday, March 31, 2004

DEC Announces Two Youth Turkey Hunt Days for this Spring

April 24 and 25 Will Offer Young Hunters A Great Experience Afield

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that two days are being set aside for a new youth hunt before this spring's turkey season. On April 24 and 25, 2004, youth between the ages of 12 and 15 will have the opportunity to participate in New York's first youth turkey hunt, recently established by regulations adopted by DEC.

"New York State recognizes that our young people represent the future of environmental conservation," Commissioner Crotty said. "This new opportunity will provide high quality hunting experiences for our young hunters, as well as for the adults who must accompany them and help pass along the knowledge of safe, responsible hunting."

Spring turkey hunting has become a popular outdoor activity for many New Yorkers and this year looks like it will be another good one. There should be plenty of turkeys available during the spring season and DEC expects not only the youth hunt but the entire spring season to be productive.

The specifics of the special youth spring turkey hunting season are as follows:

Eligible hunters are youth 12, 13, 14, or 15 years of age, holding a junior hunting license and a turkey permit;

All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult, as required by law for a junior hunting license. Youth 12 or 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or relative over 21 years of age, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14 or 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or an adult over 18 years of age, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian;

The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and turkey permit. The adult may assist the youth hunter (including calling), but may not carry a firearm or longbow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt;

The youth hunt is for spring turkey hunting only and is a two day weekend hunt. The youth hunt will always precede the start of the regular season by at least 3 days and is available wherever the spring turkey season is open;
The bag limit for the youth hunt is one bearded bird. This bird becomes part of the youth's regular season bag limit of two bearded birds. A second bird may be taken beginning May 1, 2004; and
All other wild turkey hunting regulations remain in effect. See the DEC website or this year's Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide for details.

04-31