Event Details

Fourth Annual Suffolk County Youth Turkey Hunt I wanted to make you aware of the New York Conservation Officer Association (NYCOA) organized youth turkey hunt taking place on Long Island. This is a free event aimed at providing youth hunters with a positive hunting experience. These hunts all require pre-registration, a Hunter Education Certificate, and a Small Game Hunting License purchased before the hunt. Eligible youth hunters include any youth hunter from 12 - 15 years old at the time of the hunt with a valid small game hunting license. This is a free event, and there is no expectation for the parents to donate to the event. Youth are not expected to have all the gear needed for the hunt. If needed there will be a firearm provided to the youth, youth mentor will be able to call a turkey in using the preferred method and supply decoys and blinds if requested. This year’s event schedule is as follows: Youth Hunt Orientation, Shotgun Patterning – Thursday, April 23rd we will contact you with location information: Approximate time of event 4:00 pm-9:00 pm- Items to bring- Registration forms, consent forms, hunting license, hunting clothes, bag, calls, firearm, and ammunition. If you do not have all these items, contact ECO Della Rocco. Youth Turkey Hunt – Saturday, April 25th, and Sunday, April 26th 1 hour before Sunrise to noon, the time of the turkey hunt can be adjusted based on youths’ availability. After Hunt Lunch and Pictures – Saturday, April 26th @ approximately 1:00 pm Ridge Check Station 484 Randall rd. Ridge NY For more information or to sign up a youth hunter for this hunt contact Contact DEC Taylor Della Rocco at taylor.dellarocco@dec.ny.gov and Michael Menza Michael.Menza@dec.ny.gov Provide the youth’s name, date of birth, parents’ name, cell phone number, and email. To volunteer as a mentor or to donate contact Contact DEC Taylor Della Rocco at (347) 308-4589 or taylor.dellarocco@dec.ny.gov. With this event gaining popularity over the years, priority will be given to first-time Youth hunters; any Youth signing up from prior years' hunts will be placed on an Alternate List. All Youth will be notified of their acceptance in the program on April 13th 2026