Event Details
- Event Status
- Registration Open
- Event ID
- 462
- Event Name
- 19th Annual Robert F. DeRoo Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt
- Program
- HuntFishNY
Registration Open 25 of 25 seats remaining
Location
Location:
2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146
Schedule
-
OTHER
- Date & Times:
- Sep 26, 2026 5:00AM - 12:00PM EDT
About this Event:
Thank you for your interest in the 19th Annual Robert F. DeRoo Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt. This is a free event for youth ages 12-15 to celebrate conservation through hunting and space is limited so registration is required. Please fill out the attached forms and return them to Chris Lajewski chris.lajewski@audubon.org no later than September 16, 2026.
In order to participate in the hunt, the youth hunter must bring the following documents:
• a current 2026-2027 Junior Hunting License
• a HIP number which can be obtained at Harvest Information Program - NYSDEC
The adult mentor must bring the following to the hunt:
• a 2026-2027 New York State Hunting License
• a 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp)
• a HIP number which can be obtained at Harvest Information Program - NYSDEC
All youth hunters and their adult mentor are required to attend a safety meeting and dinner at Montezuma Audubon Center on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
We will offer a Waterfowl Education Course for youth ages 12-15 at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146) on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. This course is required to hunt waterfowl at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Space is limited and registration in advance is required. Complete page three of this document to register for the course. Choose one of the following two ways to obtain the study materials and complete the required homework. Whichever option you choose to complete the homework, you must bring the completed homework with you to the in-person course.
Download/Print
Print and complete the Waterfowl Education Homework Worksheet (PDF) Waterfowl Hunter Education home study worksheet.docx.
Refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance: Ducks at a Distance Waterfowl ID Guide Study the markings and characteristics of ducks to help you recognize birds on the wing while out in the field.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations - NYSDEC
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Seasons - NYSDEC
You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course.
Hard Copy
The Waterfowl Hunter Homework Worksheet, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance, and the Waterfowl Seasons and Information can be picked up at most DEC Wildlife offices or may be available for pick up at other locations as specified in the instructions given when you register for a course.
To pick up course materials, find a DEC Wildlife Office near you DEC Statewide Offices: Contact Information By Location - NYSDEC.
You can also request a hard copy be mailed to you by calling 1-585-226-5463.
You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course.
The Waterfowl Hunt will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The guide that is assigned to your youth hunter will coordinate a time and place to hunt. NYSDEC and USFWS locations are available. The youth must successfully complete the Waterfowl Hunter Education Course to hunt waterfowl at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
Here is a list of items the youth will need to bring to the hunts:
• appropriate firearm (12 gauge or 20 gauge) for waterfowl hunting;
• ammunition;
o steel or other approved non-toxic shot required
o waterfowl loads in #2 or #3 shot
• Waders
Please direct any questions about the dinner and hunt to Chris Lajewski, 315.365.3588, chris.lajewski@audubon.org.
Thank you!
In order to participate in the hunt, the youth hunter must bring the following documents:
• a current 2026-2027 Junior Hunting License
• a HIP number which can be obtained at Harvest Information Program - NYSDEC
The adult mentor must bring the following to the hunt:
• a 2026-2027 New York State Hunting License
• a 2026-2027 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp)
• a HIP number which can be obtained at Harvest Information Program - NYSDEC
All youth hunters and their adult mentor are required to attend a safety meeting and dinner at Montezuma Audubon Center on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
We will offer a Waterfowl Education Course for youth ages 12-15 at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146) on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. This course is required to hunt waterfowl at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Space is limited and registration in advance is required. Complete page three of this document to register for the course. Choose one of the following two ways to obtain the study materials and complete the required homework. Whichever option you choose to complete the homework, you must bring the completed homework with you to the in-person course.
Download/Print
Print and complete the Waterfowl Education Homework Worksheet (PDF) Waterfowl Hunter Education home study worksheet.docx.
Refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance: Ducks at a Distance Waterfowl ID Guide Study the markings and characteristics of ducks to help you recognize birds on the wing while out in the field.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations - NYSDEC
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Seasons - NYSDEC
You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course.
Hard Copy
The Waterfowl Hunter Homework Worksheet, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance, and the Waterfowl Seasons and Information can be picked up at most DEC Wildlife offices or may be available for pick up at other locations as specified in the instructions given when you register for a course.
To pick up course materials, find a DEC Wildlife Office near you DEC Statewide Offices: Contact Information By Location - NYSDEC.
You can also request a hard copy be mailed to you by calling 1-585-226-5463.
You must bring the completed homework worksheet to your in-person course.
The Waterfowl Hunt will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The guide that is assigned to your youth hunter will coordinate a time and place to hunt. NYSDEC and USFWS locations are available. The youth must successfully complete the Waterfowl Hunter Education Course to hunt waterfowl at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
Here is a list of items the youth will need to bring to the hunts:
• appropriate firearm (12 gauge or 20 gauge) for waterfowl hunting;
• ammunition;
o steel or other approved non-toxic shot required
o waterfowl loads in #2 or #3 shot
• Waders
Please direct any questions about the dinner and hunt to Chris Lajewski, 315.365.3588, chris.lajewski@audubon.org.
Thank you!
Details
Organized by:
Donna Richardson
Required Files:
Cancellation Policies:
Event Policies:
Minimum Age Policies:
12
Maximum Age Policies:
15
Map:
About the Program
Overview:
HFNY events allow you to see what the outdoor experience and wildlife conservation are all about.
Event topics can include target shooting, archery, fishing, field dressing, trapping, mentored hunts, seminars, social gatherings and more.
Events are designed for all ability levels, unless otherwise indicated.
Event topics can include target shooting, archery, fishing, field dressing, trapping, mentored hunts, seminars, social gatherings and more.
Events are designed for all ability levels, unless otherwise indicated.
HuntFishNY events are offered by NY DEC and a network of partners and instructors who conduct hands-on events, teaching the basics of hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor safety, wildlife, and other outdoor skills.
DEC may facilitate registration and aid in advertising for HFNY events. If not a DEC hosted or co-hosted event, the logistics and implementation of the event are solely the responsibility of the host.
DEC may facilitate registration and aid in advertising for HFNY events. If not a DEC hosted or co-hosted event, the logistics and implementation of the event are solely the responsibility of the host.
If you have questions about an event, please contact the event host for more information.