Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, will host its 41st Annual Young Waterfowlers Program. The program will include an orientation class on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the refuge headquarters and a youth only hunt day on Saturday, October 4, 2014. This date is tentative pending approval of the recommended New York State youth waterfowl hunting dates. The program will be open to junior hunters between 12-15 years of age. There is no charge but space is limited with preference given to first time participants. Pre-registration does not guarantee participation. Those selected will be notified by mail. To pre-register, complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013-9730 by the deadline of 4:00 pm, September 15, 2014. Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person or email at [email protected]. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed from the refuge website. The morning session of the orientation class will consist of a New York State sanctioned Waterfowl Identification Certification class from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. The afternoon session from 12:30 – 3:00 pm will cover decoys and calls, ballistics, clothing and equipment, hunter ethics and safety, an overview of the refuge waterfowl program as well as a retriever demo and trap shoot. The afternoon session is mandatory in order to participate in the hunt, except for those who have been through the program at least twice before. All junior hunters will be required to have a guide with them on the day of the hunt. We strongly recommend each junior hunter secure their own guide prior to orientation in accordance with DEC Junior Hunting License Regulations. We have a limited number of guides who can volunteer; therefore we cannot guarantee a guide for each junior hunter. For additional information about the program, please contact refuge staff at 585.948.5445.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:13:19 +0000