The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds young hunters that the popular Take a Kid Hunting programs are in full swing for the fall 2010 season, and more excitement is on the way with Youth Pheasant and Upland Bird hunt day scheduled for Saturday October 30.

The Take a Kid Hunting Program offers youth hunters the opportunity for quality hunting experiences that are valuable in shaping their appreciation and enjoyment of hunting. The youth hunting programs provide special days when families, friends and more experienced hunters have the opportunity to share their hunting skills and outdoor knowledge with a new generation of hunters. The shared knowledge and memorable Youth Day hunting experiences increase the likelihood of young hunters choosing to continue to hunt as they grow older.

Pheasant Hunt

The Take a Kid Hunting Pheasant Hunt allows properly licensed youth hunters to hunt on one of ten stocked Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) on Saturday October 30. The Division Fish and Wildlife will stock approximately 2,000 pheasants on the designated WMAs for both guided and non-guided pheasant hunts.

The popular guided pheasant hunts offered through a cooperative arrangement between the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs are all filled and registration is closed. These hunts are offered on the Whittingham, Black River, Clinton, Assunpink, Colliers Mills, Millville, Peaslee and Winslow Wildlife Management Areas only. All pre-registered guided hunt participants must be accompanied to the check-in by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are welcomed and encouraged to follow the hunters through the fields.

The Flatbrook and Glassboro Wildlife Management Areas will be stocked with pheasants for youth hunters who are not signed up for a guided hunt on the other WMAs. Flatbrook and Glassboro will be open all day for youth to hunt pheasant under the direct supervision of a properly licensed, non-shooting adult 21 years of age or older. Additionally, the eight WMAs where the guided hunts are scheduled are open after 1:00 p.m. for all youth hunters. Plenty of stocked pheasants remain after the guided hunts on these WMAs and afternoon hunts can be productive and enjoyable for youth hunters.

Upland Bird Hunting Day

The Youth Upland Bird Hunting Day provides a great opportunity for hunters belonging to semi-wild preserves to introduce youth hunters to upland bird hunting without competition from adult hunters.

Youth hunters with a valid youth license, under the direct supervision of a New Jersey licensed, non-hunting adult 21 years or older, will be permitted to hunt on licensed semi-wild hunting preserves on this day. Youths may hunt for pheasant, quail and/or chukar from 8 a.m. to sunset on October 30.