35 rd Annual Youth Waterfowl Hunt Scheduled
at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Youth Hunt
Iroquois NWR hosts a Young Waterfowlers Program which includes a youth only hunt on the first Sunday of the regular waterfowl season for junior hunters between 12-17 years of age. To participate in the hunt, junior hunters must pre-register and attend an orientation program which is held in September or October. The program is free but, since space is limited to 25 and preference is given to first time participants, pre-registration does not guarantee participation. Participants will be notified by mail if they have been selected.
The morning session of the Orientation includes a New York State Sanctioned Waterfowl Identification class. Attendance is optional for those who already have a Waterfowl Education Certificate of Qualification from another class.
The afternoon session covers regulations, safety, equipment, a retriever demonstration and a trap shoot. Attendance is mandatory unless you have been through the program at least twice. Those who have been through the program two or more times must still pre-register and will be notified if they are selected.
Parents are encouraged to serve as non-hunting guides for their child during the hunt. Guides must have a valid New York State hunting license, a valid duck stamp or e-stamp and a Waterfowl Education Certificate of Qualification. If the parent cannot guide their child, one can be assigned by the instructors.
We issue permits through a drawing on hunt day at 5 am at the Waterfowl Permit Station on Route 77. There is no fee for the permit for the Youth Hunt.
The program is presented in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association.
To pre-register, contact refuge staff for instructions at (585) 948-5445
Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Note: This is not the same as the States WNY Zone Youth Hunt Days scheduled for Oct.
11tha and 12th. Iroquois NWR is closed to waterfowl hunting during those days.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. For further information contact:
Iroquois NWR
1101 Casey Road
Basom, NY 14013
or call (585) 948-5445.
