State game and fish departments and conservation organizations recognize the importance of enlisting the next generation of hunters if the sound scientific management of our wildlife resources is to continue, now, and in the years to come. The dedication to passing on the enthusiasm and understanding of hunting’s role shows in the number of courses, seminars and special hunts already on the calendar. Here are a few that crossed my desk just last week, but there are dozens of others—likely a few near you.
New York
On Feb. 5 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Cathy Haas announced a two-day, hands-on youth hunting safety course to be offered in April by DEC’s Hunter Education Program. The event is part of the State’s Youth Conservation Program and designed to introduce youth between the ages of 12 and 16 to the basic principles of conservation and hunter education.
“The Youth Conservation Program has more than 30 years of success teaching our young hunters the importance of safe and ethical hunting in New York State,” Director Haas said. “We are proud to continue this program and welcome participants who will have the unique opportunity to learn from experienced mentors while earning their Hunter Education Training Certificate. I encourage any qualifying aspiring hunters to apply for this program and help lead the next generation of responsible hunters on Long Island.”
The course takes place on April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville, N.Y. and is open to youth who have not yet taken their Hunter Education Course. Applications must be returned by March 27, 2026, and can be found on DEC’s “Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications” webpage.
The Youth Conservation Program is part of the HuntFishNY initiative encouraging increased participation in outdoor sports. Since 1994, this regional hunter safety event has been sponsored by the DEC’s Hunter Education Program, the New York State Conservation Officers Association and the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club.
Michigan
A mentored pheasant hunt takes place March 7 and 8 at Rooster Ranch in Michigan’s Huron County. This workshop is for beginners and will teach proper, safe shooting and pheasant-hunting techniques. Youth and accompanying adults who want to learn to hunt are welcome. No previous experience is required.
Hunting tools and techniques, hunting ethics and safety are first on the schedule. Participants then head to the trap range to practice shooting and finally afield to hunt pheasants. Dogs, their handlers and mentors will be on hand throughout the day.
After hunting, everyone will meet for lunch and a bird-cleaning demonstration before the workshop wraps up. Cost is $35 for each adult (if hunting) and $10 per child. Ammunition, orange vests and lunch will be provided. Children must have an adult attend with them for supervision, but adults should register if they also want to hunt. Visit nwtf.org to enroll.
Montana
This spring Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is organizing a special youth turkey hunt in Montana’s Flathead Valley. This unique opportunity, held in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), is designed to provide youth hunters with an educational experience alongside mentors in the field.
The hunt is scheduled for May 2 to 3, 2026. To ensure safety and success, all selected youth hunters will be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian and a volunteer from the NWTF.
To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 10 and 15. They must possess a valid hunting license for the current year and submit only one application (duplicates will result in disqualification).
The drawing will be held on March 21 during the NWTF banquet at The Rendezvous in Columbia Falls, Mont. Applicants do not need to be present to win. Selected hunters and their guardians will be required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation on May 1. The orientation will take place at the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club in Kalispell, Mont.
The application period opens March 2, 2026. The application is available online at the FWP Region 1 webpage.
Applications are due to the FWP office by March 20. They can be submitted in person to the FWP Region 1 Office (490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, Mont. 59901), sent by e-mail to [email protected] or mailed.
Utah
To hunt in Utah, everyone born after Dec. 31, 1965, must complete a state-approved hunter education class or participate in Utah’s Trial Hunting Program. The latter provides a chance to try hunting with an experienced hunter to determine if it is something an attendee would like to pursue. Hunter education is not required to participate in this program.
You must be at least 12 years old to enroll, and you need to be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is 21 years old or older. To participate, you must complete a brief online orientation course, which can be found on the DWR website. You also need to buy a hunting license and the permit for the species you’d like to hunt.
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