May 11, 2008
YOUTH hunting restrictions in New York could be reduced if the New York State Assembly passes a pending bill.
Senate Bill 1284 would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm under mentored conditions. The bill is based on the Families Afield initiative started by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA), National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Wild Turkey Federation.
New York has the most restrictive regulations for youth hunting in the country. Research conducted by Families Afield partners revealed that recruitment efforts are much more successful in states where parents decide when their sons and daughters begin to hunt. At the same time, the research demonstrated hunting is actually safer in states where parents have more discretion.
Currently in New York, youth under the age of 16 are not permitted to hunt big game with firearms. This bill would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm while under the supervision of an experienced mentor. The mentor must be a licensed hunter and at least 21 years of age. The youth must have a junior small-game hunting license and remain within arms-length of the mentor while hunting.
The bill passed the State Senate with overwhelming support and is now being heard by the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.
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New York State will join 30 states cooperating in a new effort to encourage lapsed anglers to buy a fishing license. Anglers who have not recently bought a license will be sent targeted mailings reminding them to purchase a license and support fisheries management.
A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service noted the number of anglers fishing the freshwaters of NYS, not including the Great Lakes, declined 12 percent since 2001. The decline in resident angling in New York's Great Lakes was even greater - dropping 41 percent since 2001.
Anglers can purchase a fishing license at town and county clerks, some major discount stores, tackle shops and sporting goods stores. Licenses also can be purchased by phone by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS or online at www.dec.ny.gov.
