The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a free mentored pheasant hunt in Suffolk County. It provides a hunting opportunity for individuals interested in pheasant hunting for the first time—or those returning to the pursuit—in December.
The two-day event includes an instructional day on Dec. 2, 2026, which takes place at the Longwood Library, in Middle Island, N.Y., from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. On Dec. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, the hunt day will be hosted at DEC’s Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest.
Participants will join small groups with experienced mentors and hunting dogs. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to prepare for a safe, ethical and successful pheasant hunt, while learning about different hunting dog techniques and other hunting opportunities New York has to offer.
Participants must be at least 12 years of age and possess a valid New York State hunting license or junior hunting license. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and have proper permission. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and must provide their own firearm and ammunition appropriate for pheasant hunting. Hunters and accompanying adults should bring clothing and boots appropriate for winter conditions on Long Island and dress in layers.
Registration is now open, but space is limited to 15 participants—submitting an application does not guarantee selection. For complete details, or to apply, visit the first annual hunt’s webpage, which can be found here. Questions may be directed to Mike Menza by e-mailing [email protected] or phoning (631) 444-0355.
The DEC pheasant propagation program supplies thousands of adult pheasants to support upland game bird hunting across New York State. More information about pheasant hunting is available on DEC’s Pheasant Hunting webpage.
