Junior Hunting Bill Passes Senate, Assembly

Legislation would permit 14-year-olds hunt deer, bear with adult supervision 

WATERTOWN (June 25, 2008)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) commended the Senate and Assembly for passing legislation that will lower the hunting age from 16- to 14-years-old with adult supervision.  

"I'm extremely pleased that finally, after years and years of wrangling, it looks like this will be signed into law," Sen. Aubertine said. "This bodes well for hunter safety and getting more young people into sports of field with a mentor." 

Sen. Aubertine co-sponsored legislation as a member of the Assembly to involve younger hunters and early this year, he, Sen. David Valesky (D-Oneida) and Assemblywoman Ginny Fields (D-Oakfield), urged Gov. David Paterson to make the bill one of his program bills. After the bill was picked up in the Senate, Sen. Aubertine worked to ensure its passage with an overwhelming majority of 61-1. 

"I've always supported allowing young people who have taken safety courses to hunt with a responsible adult," Sen. Aubertine said. "I’ve strived to raise awareness for sportsmen’s issues among my colleagues and members from both parties pushed for this legislation, along with the DEC. I’m proud to see this pass both houses and eagerly await the governor’s signature." 

This legislation is identical to Assemblywoman Francine Del Monte's bill (A.11033), which passed in the Assembly on June 19. The governor and the Department of Environmental Conservation have also expressed support for this legislation. 

"Simply put, New York's law was not practical. Young men and women under 16 were not allowed to hunt big game under any scenario—a limitation no other state has implemented," Sen. Aubertine said. "The earlier you teach people how to hunt, the safer we make the outdoors and the more people will appreciate our environment." 

The bill allows 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt deer and bear while closely supervised by an adult and lets 12- and 13-year-olds hunt small game. Largely due to New York's own hunting safety course, hunting-shooting related incidences have been dropping every year. The most recent hunting season was the safest yet, with just 14 incidences.  

"Teaching the proper way to handle a firearm at an early age fosters a respect for the weapon and its safe use," Sen. Aubertine said. "This bill will allow our hunters to pass along the sport to the next generation."  

Hunting also ensures animal population control. According to MSNBC and other news reports, the white-tailed deer population in the United States in the year 1900 was about 500,000, but today is about 25 million—one million in New York alone, according to the DEC. This has significantly increased damage to local agriculture and economies, as well as the health of deer populations, who face starvation as a result of overpopulation. 

"The best way to control animal populations and protect the integrity of the outdoors is to encourage young New Yorkers to develop an appreciation and respect for outdoor life," Aubertine said, who has an A-rating from the National Rifle Association and is a former co-Chair of New York's Sportsmen's Caucus.