Youth Pheasant Hunting on Long Island
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the dates for the Long Island youth hunt for pheasants. This year, junior hunters ages 12-15 will have a special two-day hunting season on October 30 & 31, 2021 in Suffolk & Nassau Counties (Wildlife Management Units 1C & 1A).
Pheasant hunting was one of the first hunting experiences for many of today's adult hunters, and this two-day hunt will help maintain this traditional introduction to hunting. The excitement of a cackling rooster bursting out of the grassy cover will be an encounter a new hunter won't soon forget! Less crowded hunting conditions, experienced adult hunters and dog handlers, and mild weather combine to provide an exceptional upland hunting experience for junior hunters.
Requirements to take part in the Long Island youth pheasant hunt include:
- Hunters must be 12-15 years of age, must have completed a Hunter Education course, and must 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 valid hunting license. The adult may assist the youth hunter, but may not carry a firearm.
- 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 the DEC properties listed below with a good chance of finding released birds. A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required to hunt these areas. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.
Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area parking areas:
2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 30, 40, 41, 42
Otis Pike Preserve parking area:
1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48
A permission form is available in the Hunting and Trapping guide for parents/legal guardians to allow a licensed hunter to accompany their junior hunter in the field.
