GENESEO, N.Y., Oct. 11, 2023 – The Livingston County Board of Supervisors recently voted to extend a local law that was enacted in 2021, expanding youth hunting by allowing 12 and 13-year-old licensed hunters to participate in new and safe hunting opportunities provided by New York State Environmental Conservation Law through 2025.
The local law, which will become effective upon filing by the New York State Department of State, allows youth hunters to participate in deer hunting pilot programs, which include crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearms though 2025 when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or designated person.
In passing this local law, Livingston County recognizes hunting as a valued tradition for many families and acknowledges the importance of introducing the value of hunting to future generations. Furthermore, teaching young people safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices will ensure a rewarding experience for youths while providing quality food to families and contributing to important deer management population control practices.
Once filed by New York State, youth hunters will be allowed to hunt deer subject to certain requirements including:
- All 12 and 13-year-old licensed hunters hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm shall be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, or by a person 21 years of age or older designated in writing by such parent or legal guardian on a form prescribed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
- A parent, guardian or designated person accompanying a 12 or 13-year-old licensed hunter shall have a valid hunting license and at least three years of experience hunting deer.
- A parent, guardian or designated person accompanying a 12 or 13-year-old licensed hunter shall maintain physical control over the youth at all times while hunting. For purposes of this paragraph “physical control” shall mean that the physical proximity of such youth to the parent, guardian or designated person is such that the parent, guardian or designated person is reasonably able to issue verbal directions and instructions, maintain constant visual contact and otherwise provide guidance and supervision of the youth.
- All 12 and 13-year-old licensed hunters and their accompanying parent, guardian or designated person shall each display either a minimum total of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink or patterned fluorescent orange or pink consisting of no less than 50 percent florescent orange or pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions or a hat or cap with no less than 50 percent of the exterior consisting of solid fluorescent orange or pink material and visible from all directions.
- All 12 and 13-year-old licensed hunters and their accompanying parent, guardian or designated person shall be required to remain at ground level at all times while hunting.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.
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