New Firearm opportunity for Youth Hunters in New York

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC) announced new opportunities for youth hunters. The 2021-22 Budget signed by Governor Cuomo includes legislation that now allows youths ages 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. They must be under the supervision of an adult hunter. They must also wear fluorescent orange or pink, and remain at ground level. The individual counties will also have to adopt a local law allowing it.

Previously youth 12 and 13 could hunt deer and bear with archery equipment and small game with firearms. New York has been the only state that didn’t allow 12 and 13-year old’s to hunt big game with a gun.

The Environmental Conservation Law 11-0935 is a temporary measure that will pilot lowering the age through 2023. Hopefully, this becomes permanent and gives youth hunters the opportunity to legally use firearms at 12 and 13 for deer and bear.

You can read the full press release here.

Good luck to all the youths taking the field this year with the new opportunity.