BILL NUMBER: S225
SPONSOR: GALLIVAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
removing requirements that a parent, guardian or person and the minor
remain at ground level at all times while deer hunting
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill authorizes 12- and 13-year-old hunters to hunt deer with a
firearm from an elevated position by removing the provision of current
law that requires such hunters to remain at the ground level while doing
so.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends Section 11-0935 of the Environmental Conservation law
governing youth deer hunting by striking the provision of law that
requires 12-and 13-year-old licensed hunters to remain at ground level
at all times while hunting.
§ 2. Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Current law allows 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a crossbow,
rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm under certain conditions, one
of which is to remain at the ground level. In its most recent report on
said law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) has recommended, in part, allowing 12-and 13-year-old hunters to
hunt big game with a firearm from an elevated position. The DEC report
recommendation goes on to state that "twelve-and 13-year-old big game
hunters are currently able to hunt with long bows from elevated posi-
tions but are prohibited from using an elevated tree stand or blind when
hunting with a firearm. This reduces sight distances, which limits
opportunities to see and harvest animals and restricts shot opportu-
nities which might otherwise be safely taken using the ground as a back-
stop. Hunting from an elevated position is safe when hunters follow
appropriate safety precautions."
This bill recognizes the position of the Department and stakeholders
alike, by permitting these licensed youth to hunt deer from an elevated
position, pursuant to appropriate regulations.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S.9943 Referred to Rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S225: 11-0935 environmental conservation law, 11-0935(1) environmental conservation law