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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar reminded youth hunters and their adult mentors that a special youth firearms big game hunt will occur Oct. 12 – 14. Both resident and non-resident youth hunters aged 12 to 15 may participate. However, hunters aged 12 to 13 may only participate in counties that have passed a local law allowing 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a firearm. Refer to this map of participating counties. The youth firearms big game hunt occurs in all other areas of New York, except in Wildlife Management Units where only bowhunting is allowed (WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C) or where big game hunting is prohibited (WMUs 1A, 2A, and 9C).
“The Youth Big Game Hunt provides an opportunity for youth hunters to become familiar with big game hunting under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced adult mentor,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “By participating in this special hunt, youth hunters are able to experience all of the benefits of big game hunting, which in turn can spark a lifelong passion for hunting and conservation, helping to grow the next generation of environmental stewards."
To participate, youth hunters must complete a course in hunter education and purchase a New York State hunting license. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult mentor who is 21 years old or older. The supervising adult mentor must have at least three years of experience hunting big game with a firearm, a New York State hunting license, and be able to maintain physical control over the youth hunter at all times while hunting. A Mentored Youth Hunter Permission Form needs to be completed and carried in the field whenever a youth hunter is mentored by an adult hunter who is not their parent.
Youth hunters and adult mentors must wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink visible from all directions and, in accordance with State law, remain at ground level while hunting big game with a firearm. Treestands or elevated blinds may not be used.
During the youth firearms big game hunt, youth hunters may harvest one deer and one bear if the youth hunter is 14 or 15 years old, or one deer if the youth hunter is 12 or 13 years old. For deer, a Deer Management Permit (antlerless deer only), Deer Management Assistance Program tag (antlerless deer only), or regular season deer tag can be used. During the youth firearms big game hunt, youth hunters may use the regular season tag for a deer of either sex. Additionally, in WMUs with mandatory antler-point restrictions, youth hunters are exempt from the restrictions.
Hunting is safe and it’s getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Hunter Education program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of hunters. The last few years have been the safest on record with 2021 and 2022 having the fewest number of hunting-related shooting incidents, and 2019 and 2023 tying for second.
Successful hunters are reminded they must report their harvest and can do so online, via the free HuntFishNY mobile app, or by calling 1-866-426-3778. Additional information about hunting seasons and regulations can be found in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.
The Youth Big Game Hunt continues to be safe because young hunters recall, and their mentors reinforce, what they learned in DEC’s Hunter Education Course:
(1) Point your gun in a safe direction;
(2) Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
(3) Be sure of your target and beyond; and
(4) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
The Youth Big Game Hunt is another great way for New Yorkers to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” an initiative launched by Governor Kathy Hochul this summer to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors. DEC encourages New Yorkers to share their photos and stories with us. Visit DEC’s hunting and trapping photo gallery webpage to learn how.
Fall is fabulous at Wave Hill–and we have even more ways for you to get outdoors and enjoy the season. Our Archtober events continue with Design Fridays Garden Design walks (Oct 4, 18, 25). Sat, Oct 26 is City of Forest Day: take a morning Nature Walk: Life on the (Woodland) Edge with Gabriel Willow or an afternoon family adventure at Kids on the Move: Tree Trek.
Celebrate Halloween at Wave Hill! The grounds will be decked out with a treasure trail of Tricks & Treats and ending at a family friendly dance party in historic Wave Hill House. Admission is free.
And don’t miss our meditative, self-guided soundwalk through the woodlands available everyday, all season long – or reserve Afternoon Tea, Tuesdays and Thursdays through November 21st.
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Today’s tour features current exhibitions by artists Soeun Bae, Jordany Genao, Dario Mohr, and Judy Pfaff. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Discover how views, focal points, plant combinations, garden structures, paths and other design elements play key roles in the way Wave Hill’s gardens blend harmoniously with the natural beauty of our location along the Hudson River. Wave Hill’s Director of Public Programs and garden designer Laurel Rimmer will guide you to experience the garden in a whole new way.
Family Art Project: Web Weavers
Where have you spotted spiders recently? Outside or in the house, spiders are helpful creatures. We'll weave webs to create hanging mobiles while learning about our arachnid allies.
Urban woodlands provide habitat for many species of plants and wildlife. Sunny woodland edges are particularly vibrant environments, with large trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants offering cover and nesting sites for local birds, mammals and insects. Join NYC-based naturalist Gabriel Willow on a morning nature walk among trees and trails to explore the homes and habits of our edgiest residents. City of Forest Day event. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.
When we think of a city we think of buildings, but New York City is also home to over seven million trees. Meet some of New York's most beautiful trees on a walking tour of the Wave Hill grounds with museum educator Corinne Flax. After meeting and learning about these stately NYC residents, root down to rise up in a tree-inspired family yoga class. Recommended for ages four to eight.
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Today’s tour features current exhibitions by artists Soeun Bae, Jordany Genao, Dario Mohr, and Judy Pfaff. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Pam Kelly. All levels welcome.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.
Wave Hill-O-Ween
Free
Calling all ghosts and goblins, pirates and princesses! For the first time ever—it’s Halloween at Wave Hill! Venture through our iron gates (if you dare!) for an evening adventure with treats, tricks and good old spooky fun. Grab a map to guide you on an eerie treasure trail through the gardens with “gourdgeous” photo ops along the way. Personalize a treat bag and decorate a mini-gourd favor, then dance away the eve with family-friendly tunes in our spooktacular Armor Hall.
All children regardless of age must be accompanied by an adult. Family or group costumes are encouraged; please refrain from super-scary costumes, fake weapons, or gore that may frighten children. Masks that cover the face are not allowed.
Free with admission
how fragile, we bloom, is an immersive soundwalk, created for Wave Hill in by musicians-composers Dorothy Chan and Lucy Yao of Chromic Duo using Augmented Reality (AR). This self-guided walk through our woodlands is available through Dec 1 using a smartphone and headphones and invites listeners to contemplate the ways that seasons bring change, our relationships to nature and the larger community, and ultimately, how we can support one another through times of uncertainty.
Adults $50; Children $30 with adult.
A minimum of 2 guests and 7 days’ advanced booking are required.
Complementary admission to Wave Hill is included with purchase of tea package.
Every Tuesday and Thursdays, enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection served on our Kate French Terrace, weather permitting, or in our quaint Tea Room at the historic Wave Hill House. Provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances, the menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm. Limited service on select dates.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.
