Would you agree that an extra two days instruction in just about anything is a good thing?

Yes, Charlie, it is a good opportunity.

However, why do we need "extra" or "special" days to get our sons/daughters into the woods?

That's my big question, perhaps it's just more an introspection about our society in general.

And of course, as others have argued, if we have a separate season for our "youths", then where will the favors end and how will the bleeding stop?

Think about muzzleloading season...when it was suggested and implemented, I don't think anyone imagined the possibility of in-line powderless "muzzleloaders" more accurate than modern slug guns.

So who gets next in line...a special "womans" hunt, "seniors" hunt---who could also benefit due to some being not as fit and needing assistance, "non-resident" day...

I, in general, just think it sets a very bad precedent. You want your kids in the woods, then take them in the woods---during the season, the same as everyone else.

Let's try to make this simple.No the kill and harvest isn't the only thing that makes a hunt a good hunt,But it can sure help to insure that an impressionable youth catches "gobbler fever" and wants to continue with the persuit of hunting.If you take a young child fishing and they just sit and stare at the water without any bites and don't catch any fish,do you think they will be so apt to want to do that again.They need positive experiences to fuel their desires.Now if that same child is taken to a stocked pond or another high percentage location and enjoys catching fish,they will beg for more!Same goes for hunting I think alot of people are missing the point of this special hunt.The key word is SPECIAL lets let them enjoy it as just that a special day in the woods to learn,hunt and just maybe harvest a bird

If it's the only time your taking the kid hunting I'd agree.

Let's say your son 12 mine is 13 it's allmost like giving him an extra year of experience if you take adnvantage of the hunt every season. If your only able to hunt weekends.

NY also has a free fishing weeknd for any age, think that's a great idea too.

I think those against this have selfish reasons and motives[:'(]remember todays youth is our future,treat them nice now for they will be the new rule makers

I am 100% for Youth hunts. Do any of you adults remember what it was like when you were at that young age? I do, and let me tell you, if it had to do with the outdoors, I was with it. I was an animal lover and hunter all in one. I can't wait to take several kids out on this Spring Turkey Youth hunt and the Regular season. Where I hunt, there are hunters all over the place, I've never seen a youngster during my times in the woods in this area. This will give them a chance to hunt with a lot less pressure. I know of couple other hunters against Youth hunts. Their reasons? "The kids will spook or shoot my bird." My answer is "Big DEAL!!!" I've shot several longbeards. This year I am concentrating on calling in birds for the kids during the early season and the regular season. I've been hunting turkeys since 1979. Honestly, it will be the biggest thrill of my hunting life to help a youngster get a bird. No rationale is going to convince me that a Youth Hunt is bad! Just yesterday I seen a flock of 42 birds on my property and 15 of them were longbeards and there were several jakes. There are a lot of birds out there. Give the kids a break!

My dislike for special youth hunts/seasons goes further than hunting. I have no fears of a kid shooting "my" game. It seems like kids in general these days are handed everything, and don't get to learn how to work harder for what you want. Sporting games where they don't keep score, tests that don't have failing grades...how are these kids prepared for real life where there are winners and losers, and you need to work for what you get. Does it make it that great to achieve something, when you are given a substantial advantage? If a kid is only going to be hooked on hunting cause he/she has an easy time killing something, they are missing so much ofthe big picture.

Sounds like sour grapes again[:'(],they are youths just starting out cut them some slack let them enjoy their day and have some funRemember when you first started turkey hunting,it was much different then(that is if you started back in the 80's when I did)you could hunt for miles with out seeing another hunter,the birds were more receptive etc.Let them have a chance at it that way

I'll gladly support any youth hunt, after...

1) It is proven that it does not negatively affect hunting in ALL areas...

2) It does not negatively affect the movement of game in any ways in ALL areas...

3) The youths/parents pay a small fee for the extended days. In heavily hunted and heavily hunted areas, ANY hunting has an adverse effect. To compensate those hunters who may be affected, it would be nice to see some extra money go into the DEP/DEC programs---maybe the biologists could actually tabulate figures in a timely manner with some extra help...

I guess that was your biggest concern afterall.