YOUTH OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

The other pages in this web site provide opportunities for all ages and members of a family. However, specific opportunities for youth are listed here.

Hunting

There are several special hunting opportunities for youth hunters in New York State.

A special Youth Wild Turkey Hunt is held the weekend before the regular Spring Turkey Season for junior hunters (age 12 - 15).

A special Youth Pheasant Hunt is held before the regular fall pheasant hunting season. See the NYSDEC web site for exact dates depending on the area of New York State. Since pheasant hunting in New York State is sustained largely by the stocking of birds by NYSDEC and private game bird breeders, check the NYSDEC web site for pheasant release sites.

A special Youth Waterfowl Hunt is a two-day hunt prior to the regular season in each waterfowl hunting zone. See the NYSDEC web site for exact dates depending on the area of New York State.

A special Youth Big Game Hunt occurs over the 3-day Columbus Day Weekend for deer and bear for hunters ages 14 - 15.

"My First" certificates are available to personalize and print for "My First Deer," "My First Bear," "My First Furbearer," "My First Turkey," "My First Watertowl," and "My First Pheasant".

Fishing

Various fishing derbies and clinics are held throughout New York State which are usually geared for youth participation.

 On Fort Drum, the Directorate of Public Works - Natural Resources Branch has co-sponsored   and hosted an annual youth fishing derby at Remington Pond in Fort Drum's Cantonment Area   since 1997. It takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend (on Armed Forces Day).   This event is held in conjuction with Fort Drum's free fishing day when no New York State   license is required to fish on Fort Drum.  This event will be cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns.

 Carpenter Brook Fish Hatchery is open to the public and has special trout fishing programs for   children and families located in Elbridge, New York approximately 100 miles south of Fort Drum   and west of Syracuse.

See the NYSDEC web site for tips and ideas for fishing with children. 

See the TakeMeFishing.org web site for indoor activities related to fishing as well as outdoor activities.

Wildlife Viewing

For youth between the ages of 10 - 19 interested in birds and other wildlife, the New York State Young Birders Club (NYSYBC) conducts regular field trips across New York State as well as other activities.

Outdoor Programs for Youth

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation runs four Environmental Education camps across NYS every summer for boys and girls ages 11 - 17.

4-H Camp Wabasso is a summer camping program for boys and girls ages 6 - 16 about 20 miles north of Fort Drum.

Oswegatchie Educational Center has summer camping experiences for youth ages 11 - 18 (or entering grades 7 - 12 in the upcoming fall) about 35 miles east of Fort Drum.

Outdoor Organizations for Youth

Links to these organizations are for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement by the US Army or Fort Drum.

Other Science and Outdoor Opportunities/Activities for Youth 

Links to these organizations are for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement by the US Army or Fort Drum.