Youth turkey hunt planned for April 23, 24

The state Friday announced it will run a spring youth hunt for wild turkeys at several locations in Suffolk County, including the Pike Preserve in Calverton and the Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area.

Junior hunters, ages 12 to 15, will get the chance to hunt fowl at the Pike Preserve near the Calverton Enterprise Park on April 23 and 24, officials said.

The event comes on the heels of two years of ‘successful’ fall turkey hunting seasons in Suffolk County, the first of which ran for a week in 2009.

“The region is extremely excited to give Long Island youth hunters an opportunity to hunt local wild turkeys right here in the region where they live,” said Peter A. Scully, Long Island’s regional director for the state Department of Environmental Conservation. “This special hunting season not only provides Long Island’s junior hunters a brand new outdoor recreational opportunity, but it is also a chance for adult hunters and mentors to pass down their tradition, knowledge, and experiences from one generation to the next, and help raise responsible local hunters.

“This season would not be possible without the diligent work of our regional wildlife staff as well as the cooperative efforts of local hunters who have made wild turkey hunting on Long Island a success.”

The young hunters will be accompanied by experienced adult hunters, who will serve as teachers and mentors during the two-day event.

The hunt will run from a half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

Public hunting opportunities for the special season include the following DEC Managed Lands in Suffolk County:

·         Otis Pike Preserve
·         Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area
·         Westhampton Management Area
·         West Tiana
·         Barcelona Neck
·         Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve

For additional information contact the DEC’s regional wildlife office (631) 444-0310.