Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

DEC Announces Second Year Results of Youth Deer Hunting Pilot Program

DEC recently announced the results of the second year of a pilot program that allows mentored 12- and 13-year-old hunters to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. In 2021, New York State (NYS) lawmakers enacted legislation authorizing 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with an experienced adult mentor in eligible areas of the state under a three-year pilot program (pilot program). The law required DEC to analyze results of the pilot program each year and report its findings back to the legislature. Accordingly, DEC has been tracking participation, satisfaction, deer harvest, and safety compliance in the pilot program, and recently submitted a report to the New York State Legislature (PDF) sharing its findings from the 2022/23 hunting season and recommendations for future actions. Currently, all other states allow 12-year-old hunters to hunt big game with a firearm.

Last fall, more than 9,400 12- and 13-year-old hunters, representing nearly 9,200 families, were eligible to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. More than 1,800 deer harvest reports were submitted from these hunters. To participate in the pilot program, the young hunters had to complete a basic hunter safety course and purchase a NYS big game hunting license like all hunters. A post-hunting-season survey conducted by DEC indicated that 82% of youth hunters and 87% of their adult mentors were moderately or greatly satisfied with their youth big game hunting experience. Additionally, no hunting-related shooting incidents, violations, or license revocations involving 12- and 13-year-old hunters were reported or occurred during either of the first two years of the pilot program.

Visit DEC’s website for more information on youth hunting opportunities in New York.

Photo courtesy of J. Lendrum

Get Outdoors and Participate in the 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun event for bird watchers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts. The 26th annual GBBC will be held Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20, 2023. To help, you will need to count birds you see or hear for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you wish) for one or more days of the four-day event. You can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world. For more information visit the GBBC website.

Summer Employment Opportunities

Would you or someone you know like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer?

2023 Summer Camps Program

We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer.

Locations of DEC Summer Camps:

• Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
• Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg;
• Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and
• Camp DeBruce, near Livingston Manor.

DEC Summer Camps combine environmental education, hunter education, and outdoor recreation to create an adventurous experience for youth. Camp staff engage campers in ecological principles such as field, forest, aquatic, wildlife, and human impact and outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing. Learn more about the employment opportunities and how you can apply to work at DEC Environmental Education Camps.

DEC Campgrounds and Day-use Areas

Be a part of a team that helps vacationers enjoy the great outdoors in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Adirondack Park. Positions available include Lifeguard, Maintenance, Security, Supervisor, and more! Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules.

For more information on available positions or to apply for a position call 518-457-2500, e-mail campinfo@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Campground Seasonal Employment webpage on DEC's website.

Lifeguard Positions

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location. 

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

• Be at least 15 years old;
• Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
• Successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
• Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate's physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
• Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
• Completed a personal interview with DEC; and
• Attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.

For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Lifeguard Positions webpage on DEC's website.