Why Do I Need a License to take my grand kids hunting

[Youngre911]

I have been a sportsman for 40 years... But if I want to take my grandson out and show him... I need a license too??? I'm not going too fill my tag but I have too buy one.... I've been hunting 40 years so it's not like I need to prove I'm qualified to take my grand kids out as long as they have a license.... Why do I need one..... It's a tag that won't be filled... These numbers of tags sold an tags filled make up some of the reports from DEC.... I bought a tag, because I need one to escort my grandson.... A sportsman for 40 years...... I need too buy a tag to go watch..... There should be something written that with so many years experience you are qualified to take a youngster out hunting without it costing you the price of two tags....Ok, I rambled,,, have at it... I look forward too seeing the replies...

[Culvercreek hunt club]

how old is your Grandson?

[virgil]

Seems like a fair point.  You should be able to renew your license without buying a tag.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Seems like a fair point.  You should be able to renew your license without buying a tag.

 I agree.  If they are truly interested in maintaining the sport, maybe a "Mentor" license. To be used to accompany only. (I know...some will abuse...they always do)

[Youngre911]

My grandson has taken the nys hunter safety training course and passed... And he is old enough to buy a hunting license.... He bought a license.... I'm a old experienced hunter.... Why do I need to buy a hunting license to accompany him in the field..... Yes, I agree he is young at this sport and may need some guidance in the field..... I'm well qualified and years of experience to be able to provide the guidance... But why do I need too buy a hunting license to accompany him..... I'm not even gonna carry a gun... I'm going too teach an watch... I need a tag to do this.. Why??

[landtracdeerhunter]

I think that is a wonderful idea. Maybe have a $5 fee to make it legal.

 

Now, officially,  as the state defines hunting, the mentor is hunting, even though they don't support a weapon,as in this case so a license is in order.

[bubba]

It is simple the law states that they must be accompanied by a licensed hunter if they are a junior hunter.  Since you would not disclose your grandsons age, I am assuming 12.  That would be like saying I drove for 40 years, I do not need  a license to teach my grandson to drive.  Taking your grandson hunting, if you as much as help him gut an animal, you are hunting in the eyes of the law as you are aiding a hunter.  What really is the difference if you renew your license and get tags you never use or to renew your license and not get tags?  I would prefer to buy the license than pay the fines for hunting without one.  If you have been a sportsman for over 40 years, I assume you hunt and would buy a license anyway.  Why now do you not want to buy one.  Also every license purchased gets more money in the conservation fund.  

[Youngre911]

His age has nothing too do with the question. So he's 14... Does that make any difference to the question if he was 12.... I get too see him thanksgiving day once a year. He always ask every time he comes since he was 8 to go out in the woods hunting on his visit. And, yea... After 40 years I have given up hunting... So, that means I'm not good enough to take my grandson out in the woods one day a year because I didn't put money into the conservation fund.... Um... If you ask me this is a red tape rip off...

[bubba]

The age does matter.  They are considered Junior hunters and need a licensed mentor with them.  You asked a question, I answered it.  What you think of the answer is up to you.  As a junior hunter, if you take him out without a license yourself, you risk his future hunting as he could be ticketed for hunting without supervision, and you can be ticketed for hunting without a license. and his privileges could be suspended.  If I had the chance to take my grandson hunting, the cost of the license would be immaterial.  Your call. 

[Youngre911]

Wow!!! Thanks, that answered the question... (NOT)

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Actually he did answer it. It is the law. Like many of them in this state, it doesn't always make sense. I could see the benefit of a formal mentor program but there currently isn't one. SO the answer is yes you need one.

[bubba]

Your mind is made up do no sense confusing you with the facts. Just another who thinks he us above the law. You do not want answers you want people to agree with you and sympathize with you. As I said your call vwant the answers call the dec

[Youngre911]

Um... I do know what the law says... And you did not read the question.... I did not ask IF I need a license to take my grand kids hunting... I simply asked WHY? What's the purpose of me needing a license? Yes I understand it's the law.... But I'm only there to mentor my grandchildren... I'm not even carrying a fire arm... So, yea, it's the law... I never disagreed with that.... The question is WHY is it the law....???

[bubba]

I explained very thoroughly why junior hunters  need licensed supervision.  I read it thoroughly.  I answered clearly.  Your choice not to accept the answer is yours.  As I said call the dec.  You give vague explanations did not want to divulge age which is very important.  Get a guide book look up a local officer and ask him why.  I doubt you will accept their reasons either, but hey give it a shot. If you as much as help drag a deer without a license you are breaking the law with a junior hunter.  Whether or not you carry a gun is irrelevant. Look up the definition of hunting.  It is also part of the reason we have a good safety record in the field.  Immaturity and inexperience  at the level of the youth.  Send me your address and I will pay for your license if that makes it easier. Attacking the person who answered your question is a great way to win friends and influence people.  Bottom line it is the LAW.  That answers it.  Good luck this fall.  

Edited July 15, 2014 by bubba

[Mr VJP]

I believe having a license when you hunt with a jr hunter is the only way a warden would know you are qualified to be hunting with him as a mentor.  If you are stopped, just telling the warden you have 40 years of experience isn't proof that you do.  The warden only needs proof you have a license, which shows you are qualified, even if you've only had it for 1 year.

 

I see your point, and it is a good one, but unless you are willing to bring it to the DEC and have them make a change to the law, you have to go with what's required at this time.

 

Perhaps the law could be amended to say all you need is an old license to show a warden and you would be OK.  I would make my case to the DEC and see how far I could go with it.  I think your grandson would admire you for that, even if you never succeed.

 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

And get the grandson involved in the contact. Have him write a letter to his local DEC. might be another wonderful lesson you can share with him.

[Youngre911]

Mr VJP, THANK you for understanding the question. I don't know maybe i could have worded the question differently. Yes, the definition of hunting does not mean you have too carry a gun. I never wanted this question too make anyone think I don't know what the rules are or that I wouldn't be the proper mentor and try too get away with teaching anyone how to break the law.

My question was probably miss-understood. But, as you stated, if I have my hunter safety certificate or previous hunting licenses. Doesn't that clear up if I'm qualified to be afield with a youngster?

I know if I'm afield I'm technically hunting. But, I guess the question could have been... Can't we be qualified in some sort of mentor program? I didn't mean to stir up so much commotion. And I guess I'm not very good at trying to explain.. So, thank you.... Sorry all for any confusion...

[Doc]

I think that is the answer. A license is proof that you qualify as a mentor. I guess you have to have some yardstick of qualifications when dealing with junior hunters. It may not be the best and most reliable proof of qualification, but it is better than nothing.

[jrm]

You need one because it is the law. That is the technically correct answer to the question you asked.

 

I think you many have meant something like "what is the reasoning behind this rule." The answer to that is most likely because "they have the power to do it" and it generates more income.

 

Join a sportsman's organization and get involved. Write (respectful) letters to the DEC and state officials. A mentor program is a good idea. If enough people ask for it they might consider it.

[Youngre911]

Jrm, yes that's what I meant to ask. "what is the reasoning behind this rule".

A very good explanation. Yes, I knew it was the law an never tried to make it sound like I was looking too break the law. I was asking more, do we really need this law? Laws change all the time. I buy a hunting licence each year just so I can legally walk in the woods with my licensed grandson thanksgiving morning and only he has a gun. Yes, we are and will always do it legal. I buy a licence each year for that couple of hours. Anyway, thanks... I thought it would be a good discussion topic..

[jrm]

You have a valid point. The trick now is getting enough similar minded people to band together and push for a change in the rules. It is entirely possible.

Another path to explore is the possibility of "one day" licenses. They have them for fishing, why not hunting? S mentioned, get involved with a hunting group. They can help you and also let you know the political realities of perusing such a goal.

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[A Sportsman]

There are situations that could arise on a hunt where its the right thing for mentor to carry a gun. Like tracking A wounded deer. There are also too many gray areas with respect to "helping" the kid. If u are trying to drive a deer to someone, you are hunting and should need a full fledged license. Whether u use the tags or not. Beyond that, to not require a license I think would be tough to enforce. I do feel your pain tho. For a mornings walk in the woods, buying a license is a bit much.

[ants]

I assume that the reason they want you to have a license, is to assure that you have at least some hunting/ firearms experience. If you have a license then you at least have taken the safety course and probably have at least some field time, as apposed to an  adult who has no idea what he/she is doing  taking a kid out with a gun or bow. Then there is the $$ thing for the state.

Edited July 15, 2014 by ants

[518BowSlayer]

isn't the regular big game license like $22? don't you think hunting with your grandson is worth that even if it is only one day a year? if your that strapped for cash i'll send you the $22. that's actually not too bad considering this is New York where everything costs an arm and a leg. hell, that's cheaper than going to the movies these days!

[Five Seasons]

I have been a sportsman for 40 years... But if I want to take my grandson out and show him... I need a license too??? I'm not going too fill my tag but I have too buy one.... I've been hunting 40 years so it's not like I need to prove I'm qualified to take my grand kids out as long as they have a license.... Why do I need one..... It's a tag that won't be filled... These numbers of tags sold an tags filled make up some of the reports from DEC.... I bought a tag, because I need one to escort my grandson.... A sportsman for 40 years...... I need too buy a tag to go watch..... There should be something written that with so many years experience you are qualified to take a youngster out hunting without it costing you the price of two tags....Ok, I rambled,,, have at it... I look forward too seeing the replies...

 

I've been driving for 15 years accident free... why do I need a drivers license?

 

pay the money. It goes to a good cause and it's not going to put you in the poor house. Every state requires you to have one.