NYS DEC: Annual Youth Big Game Hunt aimed for October 12 – 14
New York’s annual youth firearms big game hunt is coming up this holiday weekend, October 12 – 14.
“The Youth Big Game Hunt provides an opportunity for youth hunters to become familiar with big game hunting under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced adult mentor,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar.
Both resident and non-resident youth hunters aged 12 to 15 may participate. However, hunters aged 12 to 13 may only participate in counties that have passed a local law allowing 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a firearm.
More on DEC's youth hunt here.
Fortunately, the counties within our local listening region, including Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida, have opted in to allow 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a firearm, while supervised by a licensed and experienced hunter.
According to the New York State DEC, Hunting is safe and it’s getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Hunter Education program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of hunters.
The last few years have been the safest on record with 2021 and 2022 having the fewest number of hunting-related shooting incidents, and 2019 and 2023 tying for second.
NYS DEC image.
