Waterfowlers training program scheduled at wildlife refuge

Waterfowlers training
program scheduled at wildlife refuge

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association (LPWA), will host its 33rd Annual Young Waterfowlers Training Program. The program includes two days of waterfowl hunting orientation, September 30 and October 1, to improve skills of young waterfowlers for the youth-only hunt day on October 22. September 30 consists of a New York State sanctioned Waterfowl Identification Certification class which is optional if you already have a Waterfowl Identification Certificate. October 1 will cover decoys and calls, ballistics, clothing and equipment, hunter ethics and safety as well as a retriever demo and a trap shoot. This day is mandatory for anyone who has not been through the program at least twice.

Both classes will be held at the Refuge headquarters, 1101 Casey Road, Basom from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is free and open to junior hunters between 12-17 years of age with preference given to first timers. Participants cannot have reached their 18th birthday by the day of the hunt to be eligible. Those who have been through the program at least twice must still register and will be notified after the deadline date of September 11 if they have been selected. Since space is limited to 25 participants, those selected will be notified by mail.

Prior to the day of the hunt, participants will be paired up with non-hunting guides who will coach as well as help call and retrieve the birds. Parents/guardians may make arrangements with the instructors ahead of time if they want to guide their own child. To be considered as a non-hunting guide, the parent/guardian must have a valid NY hunting license, a valid duck stamp and a Waterfowl Identification Certificate.

To register, send a post card or letter to: Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013-9730 or email at: Iroquoisnwr@fws.gov. Include name, address, telephone number, date of birth, which day(s) you plan to attend and whether you have participated before. To register by phone, call (585) 948-5445 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline is close of business September 11.