New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

September 10, 2001

On Saturday, November 3, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs will sponsor their annual "Take A Kid Hunting" Youth Pheasant Hunt. Properly licensed youth hunters accompanied by licensed, non-shooting adults can hunt on one of seven wildlife management areas (WMAs) throughout the state that will be stocked with pheasants by the Division.

"The Youth Pheasant Hunt is not designed to introduce youngsters to the sport of hunting. 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. 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," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

All participants must pre-register and be accompanied to the check-in by a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are welcomed and encouraged to follow the hunters afield. All pre-registered hunters will receive an information packet prior to the hunt. Two sessions will be offered, starting at 7 a.m. and 12 noon.

Only 25 youth hunters will be allowed on each WMA during each session. 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).

An application for the hunt can be found in the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest, Hunting Issue, which is available at locations where hunting licenses are sold and can also be obtained at Division offices statewide. The deadline to register is October 12, 2001.

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 WMAs accompanied by a licensed, non-shooting adult. 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 3 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.

In addition, properly licensed youths aged 10 through 15 accompanied by a licensed, non-shooting adult, may hunt on licensed semi-wild preserves on November 3. Youngsters can hunt for pheasants, quail and/or chukars from 8 a.m. to sunset. This is a great opportunity for hunters that belong to semi-wild preserves to introduce youngsters to the sport of upland bird hunting in a non-competitive atmosphere.