08/31/2026
Get ready for 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 forms and return them to Chris Lajewski
[email protected] 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: https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6405.html
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: https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6405.html
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.
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 and complete the Waterfowl Education Homework Worksheet(PDF).
Refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ducks at a Distance: A Waterfowl Identification
Guide (PDF) 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
Waterfowl & Migratory Game Bird Seasons
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.
You can also request a hard copy be mailed to you by calling 1-888-486-8332. 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: 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146 / 315 -365-3588 / www.audubon.org/montezuma
Here is a list of items the youth will need to bring to the hunts:
• appropriate fi***rm (12 gauge or 20 gauge) for waterfowl hunting;
• am******on;
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 or [email protected].
A haven for birds in upstate New York.
