Governor signs bill expanding youth hunting opportunities

ALBANY — Teenagers who like to hunt and trap game now have greater opportunity to pursue these outdoor sports, thanks to legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. David A. Paterson.

The new law amends the Environmental Conservation Law to allow 14- and 15-year-olds, who already are permitted to hunt small game in New York, also to hunt deer and bear with a firearm under specified conditions and only while supervised. It creates a junior hunting license to allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt wildlife except big game.

Minor trappers under age 12 would be permitted to accompany a parent or mentor, who must be a licensed trapper with three years' experience. Both require parental consent.

One north country legislator who has pushed for expanded youth hunting opportunities in both the Assembly and the Senate lauded the new law.

"This is a bill that's been too long in coming," said Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent. "It's a bill that I lobbied for for quite some time in both houses. I'm very pleased that the governor has chosen to sign that bill into law today."

Mr. Aubertine said it is important to start young hunters off on the right foot in terms of both safety and respect for the outdoors.

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

In their memo favoring the law, the sponsors noted that New York is the only state in which 14-year-olds are prohibited from hunting big game with a firearm, and that 46 states allow 12-year-olds to do so. The bill passed the Assembly on June 19 and the Senate on June 24. It takes effect immediately.

"I am very pleased," said Dierdre K. "Dede" Scozzafava, one of the Assembly co-sponsors. "This bill took several years and a bipartisan effort to pass. This is very important to the north country."

Ms. Scozzafava said legislators from both parties and both houses have formed a working group to discuss issues related to outdoor sports like hunting, trapping and fishing. She said she hopes it will lead to a better understanding of the significance of these sports in rural areas like the north country.

"Anything expanding hunting and fishing rights is tough in the Assembly," she said. "The city has different ideas on these things."

Times staff writer Jude Seymour contributed to this report.