Jump to content

DEC Announces Progress in Areas Open to Young Deer Hunters this Fall


Recommended Posts

Boy hunter kneeling on ground with harvested deerThe State Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget signed by Governor Cuomo included legislation that now allows youths ages 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter in upstate counties that opt in to participate. Responding to this new opportunity for young hunters and their families, several counties have already passed laws to opt in.

The new opportunity is temporary, because the law sunsets in 2023. It specifically includes the following provisions:

  • Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas such firearms may be used during hunting seasons, including the youth big game hunting weekend;
  • Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows;
  • Requires supervision of an experienced and licensed adult hunter who maintains physical control over the youth hunter at all times; and
  • Requires the youth hunter and adult mentor to wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing and to remain at ground level while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Can't speak for others but all counties encompassing the area of our NDA (QDMA) branch out here are opted in; Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and Rensselaer counties. Big acceptance across the state so I can see it becoming law in the future vs a BS pilot program with a sunset clause.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...