In the Lake Champlain Zone only, the daily limit may include no more than 4 goldeneye. That's where the experienced hunter can be especially valuable, by teaching duck identification skills as well as shooting techniques. We don't anticipate many youths will bag their limit on youth day, but that's not the intent of this special hunt. Rather, we hope that accomplished waterfowl hunters will take this opportunity to pass along an important tradition, as well as their love and respect for the outdoors. Several waterfowl identification courses are offered by DEC staff and organized sporting groups.
All courses are free and open to the public.
The number of waterfowl hunters in New York has declined significantly during the past 20 years, despite high duck populations and liberal regulations in recent years. Through license fees, excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, and donations to habitat improvement projects, duck hunters make significant contributions to natural resources both in the U.S. and Canada.