Erie County Votes to Allow 12-Year-Olds to Hunt With Firearms

There is big news for hunters and outdoor families across Erie County, New York.

The Erie County Legislature has officially passed an amendment to local hunting law that would allow 12- and 13-year-old kids to hunt deer with a firearm under adult supervision here in Erie County. After years of debate, the measure passed by a 7-3 vote on Thursday and now heads to the desk of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

The issue has sparked passionate arguments on both sides in the Legislature and throughout the community, but supporters say it is a major step forward for hunting families in Western New York.

Erie County Was The Last Upstate County Holding Out

For years, Erie County stood alone as the only upstate county in New York that had not opted into the state’s specialized youth deer hunting program for 12- and 13-year-old hunters.

New York State opened the door for counties to participate in the pilot program several years ago, allowing younger hunters to pursue deer with a firearm or crossbow as long as they are supervised by an experienced, licensed adult mentor. Nearly every eligible county in the state approved the change, except Erie County.

Now, that could finally be changing.

Even if County Executive Poloncarz vetoes the measure, lawmakers appear to have enough support to attempt an override vote in the coming weeks.

Youth Hunting Has Been Front And Center In New York

Youth hunting has been one of the hottest topics in New York’s outdoors community this spring.

Just last weekend, young hunters across the state participated in the annual Youth Turkey Hunt, giving kids the opportunity to get into the woods before the regular spring turkey season opener on May 1.

Despite soggy and chilly weather conditions across much of Western New York, many families reported successful outings and memorable first hunts.

For many sportsmen and women, these youth seasons are about much more than harvesting game, they are about teaching patience, safety, conservation, and respect for the outdoors.

Hunting In New York State Is Deeply Tied To Conservation

At its core, hunting and fishing in New York State have always been tied directly to wildlife conservation.

License sales, equipment purchases, habitat funding, and excise taxes generated by hunters and anglers help support conservation programs, public lands, wildlife management, and education efforts throughout the state.

Just as importantly, hunting remains a long-standing family tradition that provides food for many households, helps supply venison donation programs, and assists in managing healthy deer populations.

Introducing young people to ethical hunting practices helps ensure that conservation efforts continue for future generations.

Safety Remains The Biggest Concern

Of course, the largest concern surrounding this proposal continues to be firearm safety.

Before any young hunter can legally enter the woods in New York with a firearm, they must first complete a certified hunter education safety course. In addition, 12- and 13-year-old hunters must be directly supervised by an adult who is also a licensed and experienced hunter.

That safety data has become a major talking point for those pushing Erie County to finally join the rest of upstate New York.