Legislature Looks to Continue Youth Deer Hunting Program
The Orleans County Legislature scheduled a public hearing to continue a program allows 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt deer in the county.  In 2021, the NYS Legislature adopted a temporary program through 2023 for young hunters in counties that choose to participate.   Orleans chose to participate and now would like to see the program continue.  This initiative: 

  • Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas where and during the hunting seasons in which such firearms may be used, including during the Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt over Columbus Day weekend;
  • Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows;
  • Requires supervision of a licensed adult hunter (aged 21 years or older) with at least 3 years of experience hunting deer who maintains physical control over the youth hunter at all times;
  • Requires the youth hunter and adult mentor to wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing and to remain at ground level while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
The public hearing on extending the program will be held on February 20 at 4:20 p.m. at the Orleans County Legislature, 14016 Route 31 West in Albion.