New York State legislation 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.

Democrat file photo

SULLIVAN — The Sullivan County Legislature passed a resolution forming a local law authorizing 12 and 13 year olds to hunt in the county.
The new law comes after the New York State Legislature adopted a temporary program this year for young hunters in counties that choose to participate.
Counties must opt in to the new program, which will last until 2023, and notify the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
It allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading firearm, or crossbow during hunting season.
The Sullivan County Legislature held a public hearing on the proposed local law and a handful of people spoke in favor.
John Van Etten, President of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, urged the legislators to pass the local law.
Carl Lindsley, a trustee of the Federation, said hunting is a family tradition and it will give 12 and 13 year olds the opportunity to participate.
Legislators unanimously passed the law at a special meeting held on June 3 at the Government Center.
“With allowing the 12 and 13 year olds to be educated, and having safety courses, and being supervised, I think that is the way to go,” Legislator Nadia Rajsz commented.
“I’m in support of this,” Legislator Alan Sorensen said. “We need to do more to get our youth outdoors and get them away from video games… hunting is [about] conservation and understanding nature.”
According to the DEC, 12 and 13 year olds must be supervised by a licensed adult hunter (aged 21 years or older) with at least three years of experience hunting deer who maintains physical control over the youth hunter at all times.
The new law does not authorize black bear hunting by 12- and 13-year-olds with a firearm or crossbow.
So far 29 counties across the state have opted in. The legislation specifically excludes Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties from participation in the new program.
"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," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a press release. "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."