Greene law allowing 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with firearms clears Erie County Legislature with 6-5 vote

Modified: September 12, 2021 6:56am

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Friday, September 10, 2021
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 Chris Greene 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 Greene said, “Hunting is a popular tradition for many families in Erie County. This law will allow young people to get a handle on the basics of hunting and firearm safety as long as they are under proper supervision. After months of discussion and deliberation at the Erie County Legislature, I’m proud my colleagues and I voted in support of this law today.”
 
The law will be sent to the County Executive who is required to hold a public hearing then sign or veto it.