How Safe Is The NY Youth Firearm Hunting Program? [STATS]

It's that time of year for deer hunting season. The Southern Tier is a part of the Southern Zone of New York. Deer season began with early bowhunting on October 1st and goes through November 18th.

Crossbow began on November 5th and runs through the 18th as well. Regular deer hunting season begins in the Southern Tier on November 19th and goes through December 4th. Late bowhunting season occurs between December 5th and 11th.

Get our free mobile app

12 & 13-Year-Old Deer Hunters?

Were you aware that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation started a trial program to open deer hunting up to 12 and 13-year-olds? According to the website, the 2021 New York State Budget "included legislation authorizing a license holder who is twelve or thirteen years of age to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter in eligible areas."

The Results Of The Program Were A Success

The NYS DEC reported that for the 2021-2022 deer hunting season, the program has been a success, with just under 10,000 hunters ages 12 and 13 holding licenses. Deer harvested from the age group totaled just over 1500.

And there has been no hunting-related shooting, incidences, violations, or license revocations. Almost all Upstate New York State counties opted into the program.

Could This Proposal Include Black Bear Hunting?

The NYS DEC has proposed to make this program permanent for 12 and 13-year-olds for deer hunting. In addition, the proposal is to allow the hunting of black bears as well with a firearm and crossbow. Since 2011, youths ages 12 and 13 have been legally able to hunt black bears in New York State with a longbow.

[via New York State Department Of Environmental Conservation]