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

[Steve D]

The 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.

[virgil]

Any information about which counties will opt in?  Or when that information will be known?

[steve863]

3 minutes ago, virgil said:

Any information about which counties will opt in?  Or when that information will be known?

 

Check out this page.  Lists the counties that have already opted in

 

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

[Steve D]

Edited June 14, 2021 by Steve D

[suburbanfarmer]

Need to get Ontario and Wayne onboard

[grampy]

52 minutes ago, suburbanfarmer said:

Need to get Ontario and Wayne onboard

Albany, and surrounding counties too.

[Sir-diealot]

They can't use bows?

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[Swamp_bucks]

Suprised chenago county hasnt done it yet

[virgil]

7 hours ago, Swamp_bucks said:

Suprised chenago county hasnt done it yet

Otsego also.  Hoping they'll do it for next year.

[Larry]

Just a reminder if after the comment period if nothing changes in the New Deer management plan. Blazed orange or pink will be required in the gun season. For all hunters.

[G-Man]

20 hours ago, Sir-diealot said:

They can't use bows?

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Theu could always use bow at 12.. this make other options available

[Sir-diealot]

2 hours ago, G-Man said:

Theu could always use bow at 12.. this make other options available

Okay, I do not have kids so I was not sure.

[dbHunterNY]

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.