DEC Announces Progress in Areas Open to Young Deer Hunters this Fall  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.
DEC has posted a map depicting counties that have opted into the program on its Junior Big Game Hunting webpage and will regularly update the map as more counties adopt local laws to participate. The webpage also describes the details and rules for these young hunters. While there is no deadline for counties to opt in, doing so by early September will allow DEC to provide information to hunters through DEC's website, social media, and other platforms prior to the beginning of 2021 big game seasons. Hunters seeking to have this new law apply in their area should work with their county officials to pass a law opting into this opportunity. |
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