DEC offers new online resource for novice hunters and sponsors of mentored hunts

Online platform increases awareness, facilitates registration, improves accessibility

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced a new online resource both for new hunters and organizations offering mentored hunting opportunities. It said this tool will connect novices with experienced hunters who will help them develop the skills needed to be safe and successful when afield.

“One of the greatest hurdles to newly certified hunters going afield for the first time is the lack of a mentor or a support system to help them understand the basics of a successful hunt,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “New York state is home to dozens of groups and organizations offering mentored hunt opportunities, and DEC’s new platform will amplify opportunities for new hunters to connect with knowledgeable and enthusiastic mentors to help create enjoyable experiences.”

Mentored hunts allow hunters with little or no hunting experience to learn additional firearm safety and hunting skills while building confidence under the guidance of more experienced hunters. First-time hunters can now find mentored hunt events in New York and register for those learn-to-hunt opportunities on the new mentored hunt program registration webpage. DEC’s mentored hunt program registration page also provides a platform for those hosting a mentored hunt to advertise their event statewide.

Partnering organizations can fill out an application to have their event posted on the registration page and amplified to the public on DEC’s platforms. DEC invites groups and organizations to register their mentored hunt events for turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and other small game. Interested groups can visit the “Application to Host a Mentored Hunt” site to register. By using DEC’s mentored hunt program registration, users can:

√ Make their event more visible to new hunters statewide;

√ Ease registration for participants;

√ Track registered participants to better plan an event; and

√ Promote an event to a wider audience of potential participants.

New hunters can check the DEC mentored hunt program registration page for upcoming events. Listed opportunities will vary based on time of year and upcoming hunting seasons. Attendance is often limited, and each event requires registration to attend. Hunts may or may not be a DEC-organized event, so read individual event details for more information.

All hunters taking part in a mentored hunt must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a NYS hunting license prior to their participation. For more information, check out DEC’s “Learn to Hunt Opportunities” on DEC’s website.