Young hunters across much of New York will have a dedicated opportunity to take to the woods later this month as the state opens its annual youth turkey hunting weekend.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the special two-day hunt for April 25-26, open to junior hunters ages 12 to 15 across upstate New York and Suffolk County.
State officials say the weekend is designed to pair youth with experienced mentors, giving them a chance to learn safe and ethical hunting practices while spending time outdoors. Participation requires both the youth and accompanying adult to hold valid hunting licenses and turkey permits.
Youth hunters must be accompanied at all times. Those ages 12 and 13 must be with a parent, guardian, or an adult over 21 with written permission, while those 14 and 15 may hunt with an adult over 18 with permission. Adults may assist, including calling, but are not allowed to carry a weapon or harvest a turkey during the youth hunt.
Shooting hours run from a half-hour before sunrise until noon each day. Hunters are limited to one bearded bird during the weekend, which counts toward the regular spring season limit of two. A second bird may only be taken beginning May 1 in upstate New York.
Firearms restrictions also apply. Junior hunters may not use rifles or handguns but may hunt with a shotgun using approved shot sizes or with a bow. Hunters ages 14 and 15 are also permitted to use a crossbow.
DEC officials emphasized that hunting safety remains a top priority, noting that incidents are rare and largely preventable by following basic firearm safety rules and best practices specific to turkey hunting.
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