12 and 13-year-olds in Erie County will soon be allowed to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow after a law proposed by Legislator John Mills passed the Legislature Thursday afternoon.

 

The law has received strong support from local sportsmen’s groups throughout Erie County and Western New York, who recently spoke at a public hearing of the Legislature advocating for its passage. The law passed at the state level in April and requires counties to opt-in. Additionally, it is a pilot program until December 2023. The New York State DEC will be required to report by February 1st of each year the number of violations, hunting-related accidents and revocations, the number of minors participating and the number of deer taken.

 

Legislator Mills said, “I’ve had many conversations with local hunters and sportsmen’s groups who know how important this is to keeping our woods safe and getting the younger generation outdoors with the proper knowledge. I’d like to thank those who have contacted my office to share their support for this law and I’m proud to help its passage in Erie County.”

 

The law will be sent to the County Executive who is required to hold a public hearing then sign or veto it.