MASSENA – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers (ECOs) will offer junior hunters ages 12 to 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. 

The ECOs are partnering with the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and DEC Wildlife staff at WMA to offer the event.

The two-day event  begins with a classroom portion at the Massena Rod and Gun Club, 155 Patterson Road, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, followed by a hunt on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game hunting license and register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). 

The event is free to participants and equipment will be provided if necessary.  

The event is hosted by the Massena Rod and Gun Club and sponsored by the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA), NWTF, and the St. Lawrence County Sportsmen’s Federation.

For more information and to sign-up for the event, contact Lt. Troy Basford at (315) 265-2757, or ECO Ian Helmer 315-559-8503, or sign up through the DEC website.

Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 24.

Individuals interested in participating in a sponsored pheasant hunt or other mentored hunting opportunities can find and register for events in their area on the Mentored Hunting Opportunities page. 

Mentored and sponsored hunts are added weekly, especially during the late summer, so interested parties are encouraged to check back frequently.