June 27, 2008
Great news for the junior hunters of New York State!
Legislation has passed the NYS Senate and Assembly that will allow 14 and 15 year old junior hunters to hunt big game. The new regulations finally bring New York State in line with hunting regulations of neighboring states. The New York State Conservation Council, Inc. has worked for over eight years to get legislation passed that would see this accomplished.
During much of that time, Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte and Senator Dale Volker have introduced legislation that would allow youngsters to hunt at an earlier age. This year the legislation they introduced, A11033 and S8228, was also supported by DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis.
President Harold Palmer says, “During my visits with members of the Assembly and Senate, I learned that Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte and Senator Dale Volker not only sponsored this legislation, but also met with their colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to garner support and see that this legislation passed. I thank them for their tireless efforts to support the sportsmen and junior hunters of this state.”
Palmer further stated, “This legislation had many sponsors and supporters from across New York State. While there was only one Senator and several Assemblypersons who voted in opposition, there was only one Assemblyman from upstate who opposed it. I would like to thank everyone for their support.”
The law change will allow 14 and 15 year olds to hunt big game when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or youth mentor who is 21 years of age or older. The youth mentor must have three years of big game hunting experience, be licensed to hunt big game, and be designated in writing by the parent or legal guardian to take the youth hunting.
This legislation will also allow for a person over 21 to take a 12 and 13 year old hunting for small game, changing the requirement of only a parent or guardian being allowed to accompany the junior small game hunter.
The legislation also creates a trapper mentoring program for youths under 12, allowing them to accompany and assist a licensed, experienced trapper prior to completing the mandatory training required for them to purchase their own trapping license.
Changes to these laws will allow our youth to be educated by experienced adults, learning safety and ethics with the hope of continuing the heritage of hunting and trapping and enjoying our outdoors for their lifetime.
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