Need info...

[Grizz1219]

On the youth deer hunt... for hunters 12-13 they can bow hunt only... Can they use a cross bow to hunt??? I've read the rules over and over, I see no mention of equipment needed... 

 

 

[bartman9]

It is my understanding they can bow hunt for big game or gun/crossbow hunt for small game.  Very new to this, so others can speak from experience.

Edited August 24, 2015 by bartman9

[WNYBuckHunter]

I would email the DEC on this one.

[jjb4900]

I don't think there is a special "youth hunt" for young archers...it's just during the regular archery season, and I believe the crossbow is only allowed for big game during the last two weeks of archery, as well as during the later seasons. The youth hunt that falls on Columbus Day weekend does not allow for crossbows....

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html

Edited August 24, 2015 by jjb4900

[G-Man]

Young archers is bow only no crossbow. 14 they can use gun, and I believe the regs do not allow crossbow at all during youth hunts for deer

[Grizz1219]

Doesn't really seem like they are trying to get youth involved ... by 14 they already have other interests.... but I guess 12 year olds can bow hunt so I'll take the youth out then during regular bow season... Just seems like it is set to fail... 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Doesn't really seem like they are trying to get youth involved ... by 14 they already have other interests.... but I guess 12 year olds can bow hunt so I'll take the youth out then during regular bow season... Just seems like it is set to fail... 

I think it falls on the parents and it doesn't start at 12 IMO. I am glad they did the youth season although I am not 100% convinced it is a big draw. I am more of a "any little bit helps" mentality. when I started you had to be 16 to big game hunt. There may have been a younger age for archer but none of out hunting party did so I never was exposed to it. I started myself at 18. I think you have to have them involved as soon as you think they can handle the reality of what actually happens. I was going deer hunting with my father every weekend from age 8 and looked forward to opening day  more than Christmas every year.

[G-Man]

No crossbow allowed for youth hunt,

[Grizz1219]

Got you... And this kid is a hunter for sure.... Shoots geese like you can't believe.... Took him out turkey hunting and he loves it..