I attempted to place my 11yr old son into a Hunters Safety course today. He'll turn age 12 in May, and would be able to Turkey hunt with me. Well this is what I was told. 11yr olds must be accompanied by a adult during the entire Safety Course. Preferrable his parent. Also becasue he's 11yrs old he wouldn't be able to fully participate in the course, as he cannot fire any firearms. NYS says noone under the age of 12 can fire a gun!! It was recommended that I wait until August when he's age 12, then he could fully participate, and not need the adult supervision.

Ok, NY let me get this straight now. My son can go to school on his own since age 6, participate in all school functions given by his teachers in class. But he can't attend a simple Hunters Safety Course w/o my adult supervision! On top of that he cannot legally fire a gun right now, but in 2mos when he's matured dramatically he can legally.
Why do I continue to live in this darn state, and the DEC wonders why the average age of hunters is 49. This Government needs to wake-up, and get their heads out of there butts, were so behind the times its pathetic. Its difficult for me to understand their thinkings on age limits. My boys& I often watch hunting shows together, and they see 8 yr olds shooting deer, and Elk in other states.Then ask me why dad? Why can they, but we can't?? NY, I'D LIKE A ANSWER FOR THEM!!!!!!!