DEC Announces New Opportunity for Youth Hunters

There will soon be potential opportunity for 12-13-year-old youths to hunt deer with a firearm in New York, according to an announcement Wednesday via the New York State DEC.

In the latest state fiscal year 2022 budget signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, there is legislation included that will allow youths 12-13 to hunt deer with a firearm or cross-bow under adult  supervision.

"Deer hunting is a valued tradition for many families that provides millions of pounds of quality food to New Yorkers while reducing the negative impacts of abundant deer populations on agriculture, forests, and communities," Commissioner Basil Seggos said.

"This new opportunity allows experienced, adult hunters to introduce the value of hunting to the next generation. Teaching these young people safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices will ensure a rewarding experience every time they are afield. I encourage all upstate counties to consider 'opting-in' to support New York's young hunters and their potential contributions to deer management."

According to the DEC, counties throughout Upstate New York will have the chance to opt-in to participate.

For nearly twenty-years, New York has allowed 12-13 year-old youths to hunt deer and bear with archery equipment and small game with firearms. 

Until now, New York was the only state that didn't allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm.

Environmental Conservation Law 11-0935 is a temporary measure that will pilot lowering the age through 2023, including the following provisions:

-Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas these firearms may be used during hunting season;

-Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows;

-Requires that these youth hunters be supervised by experienced and licensed adult hunters 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.

The legislation requires each county to "opt-in" to the program by adopting a local law allowing for 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer in accordance with ECL 11-0935.

The legislation specifically excludes Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties from participation in the new program.

 DEC is creating a webpage for users to see a list of which counties decide to participate.

Images Courtesy of the New York State DEC.