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Junior hunting bill p***** the Assembly
May 21, 2008
A11033, a bill that would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game
with a firearm in New York when accompanied by an adult, was approved
by the Assembly and moves to the Senate, where it enjoys plenty of
sup****t as A8228.
The legislation has the sup****t of the Department of Environmental
Conservation, the governor's office and the New York State
Conservation Council but has been vehemently opposed by organized
anti-hunting groups that have orchestrated media campaigns against it.
Unlike some other "youth hunting bills" floating around Albany, this
one had a chance since it is two-house legislation. One of the other
youth hunting bills, S1284, passed the Senate in April but has no
Assembly counterpart.
A11033/S8228 provides 14- and 15-year old license holders the ability
to hunt big game when accompanied by a person over 21 with at least
three years of big game hunting experience. It requires both the youth
and mentor to wear hunter orange (minimum hat or vest; orange
camouflage being acceptable); the mentor must maintain physical
control over the minor at all times (defined as in close physical
proximity, and be in constant visual contact and able to issue verbal
directions and instructions).
The inclusion of the blaze orange requirement re****tedly helped the
bill gain the sup****t of many legislators who in the past have not
sup****ted lowering the age to hunt big game. The bill specifically
prohibits the hunter-mentor from using treestands.
Another aspect of the bill is that it will also allow an adult, with
written permission, to take a junior hunter out for small game at the
age of 12, not just the parent or legal guardian.
It also allows youths less than 12 years of age to accompany a
licensed trapper over 21 years of age, with at least three years of
trapping experience, and participate in all aspects of trapping
without requiring the youth to be licensed.
If this one p***** the Senate and is signed by Gov. Patterson, it
takes effect immediately, which means youngsters can be hunting big
game this season.
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