"Take a Kid Hunting" Pheasant Hunt and Youth Upland Bird Hunting Day Nov. 1

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

Oct. 27, 2003

“TAKE A KID HUNTING” PHEASANT HUNT AND YOUTH UPLAND BIRD HUNTING DAY NOV. 1

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs will sponsor the annual “Take A Kid Hunting” Youth Pheasant Hunt. Properly licensed youth hunters can hunt on one of seven wildlife management areas (WMAs) throughout the state that will be stocked with pheasants by the Division.

The “Take A Kid Pheasant Hunt” is designed to increase a young hunter’s opportunity for harvesting a pheasant with the help of experienced volunteers and hunting dogs in a setting that encourages responsible, ethical and safe hunting practices. It is not designed to introduce youngsters to the sport of hunting. Instead it is specifically intended for existing youth hunters between the ages of 10 and 15 who have successfully completed a hunter education course and obtained a youth hunting license.

“Most people who enjoy activities such as hunting and fishing became involved when they were young,” said Martin J. McHugh, director of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “Programs such as the youth pheasant hunt provide a great opportunity for kids to enjoy a day in the field in a relaxed setting, and also reinforce the importance of being a safe and responsible hunter.”

All participants must pre-register and be accompanied to the check-in by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are welcome to stay for the hunt and are encouraged to follow the hunters afield. All pre-registered hunters will receive an information packet prior to the hunt. One session will be offered at each location starting at 7 a.m.

Only 50 youth hunters will be allowed on each WMA. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of slots available, a random drawing will be held to select participants. The seven WMAs open to the hunt are Assunpink (Monmouth County), Black River (Morris County), Clinton (Hunterdon County), Colliers Mills (Ocean County), Millville (Cumberland County), Peaslee (Cumberland County) and Whittingham (Sussex County).

Properly licensed youth hunters between the ages of 10 and 15 who do not pre-register for a guided hunt may still hunt during special hours on any one of nine stocked WMAs. Hunters must be accompanied by a licensed, non-shooting adult aged 21 or older. Wildlife management areas open to non-guided youth pheasant hunting include: Assunpink, Black River, Clinton, Colliers Mills, Flatbrook, Glassboro, Millville, Peaslee and Whittingham. Hunting hours are from 1 p.m. to sunset, EXCEPT on the Flatbrook and Glassboro WMAs when hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset. There is no registration required for these times on these areas.

Saturday, November 1 is also Youth Upland Bird Hunting Day in New Jersey. Young hunters (aged 10 through 15 with a valid Youth Hunting License and accompanied by a licensed, non-shooting adult aged 21 years or older) can hunt pheasant, quail and/or chukar partridge on licensed semi-wild or commercial preserves throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for hunters belonging to semi-wild preserves to introduce youth hunters to upland bird hunting without competition from adult hunters.

Hunting hours for the Youth Upland Bird Hunting Day are 8 a.m. to sunset. All game taken on semi-wild or commercial preserves must be properly tagged before transport.