New York Bill Raises Age Restrictions for Hunters
4/8/09


A new bill introduced in New York would undo the recent positive steps taken by the state legislature to reduce age restrictions for hunters in the state.
Senate Bill 3598, sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger (D- New York City), would raise the hunting age across the board.
Specifically, the bill increases the minimum age for obtaining a hunting license from 16 to 18 years of age while requiring anyone under the age of 20 to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or relative. Additionally the bill raises the junior hunting license range to 14-16 years old from the current 12-14 years old while also increasing the age of the mentor accompanying a junior hunter from 21 to 23. The bill also increases the junior archery license age bracket limit from 14-16 to 16-18 years old.
The bill, which was referred to the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, would reverse last year’s legislation lowering the youth hunting restrictions, which was based upon the Families Afield initiative.
On July 23, 2008 NY Governor David Paterson signed a bill allowing both 14 and 15-year olds to hunt big game with a firearm as long as they are supervised by an experienced mentor that is a licensed hunter at least 21 years old and with at least three years of big game hunting experience.
“Allowing parents to pass on their hunting traditions to the next generation is the cornerstone to preserving those traditions,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “SB 3598 is a gigantic step backwards and all sportsmen in New York should oppose it.”
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Wild Turkey Federation began Families Afield in 2004 as a national effort to lower the barriers and restrictions preventing newcomers from experiencing hunting.
Take Action- New York sportsmen should immediately contact their state legislators and tell them to oppose SB 3598. Tell them SB 3598 will lead to fewer hunters in the field, harm sportsmen traditions, and lose the state license revenue

Never Stops does it?

alot nonsence going on in this country

Unreal. Sounds like the work of antis.

I don't know a whole lot about politics in NY, but I can't imagine many states where that would have a snowflakes chance in hades of passing.

I'm so sick & tried of these NYC heads messing with upstate NY. Becasue they want totravel to upstate NY to hike, and bird watch w/o any fear of hunters. But put $0 dollars intoour environment, but spend millions to stop hunting. Total morons. I'll be writing this worthless NYC SenatorLiz (Freddie) Kruegeridiot myself. Plus myownrepresentatives. But to be honest after yrs of work to getthe age lowered, and seeing such a great success. I don't see it even going to vote. I'm sure it'll just be referred to the Conservation Council.

No way this will pass. The DEC put a serious effort into lowering the hunting age to help increase the dwindling hunter numbers in the state. They can't do an about face now. For all the people out there who hate hunting and hunters, even a liberal state like NY DOES want to keep hunters hunting. It's the only reasonable and cost effect way to keep the deer population in check.

I e mailed Carolyn McCarthy twice before I even got a response. When I did get one it was an aide responding. I told him I wasn't looking to debate or speak to a person I didn't even have the opportunity to vote on I want to speak to "my representative" he wouldn't let me. Then I did what I said I wasn't going to do... I got into a debate with the aide on Gun control. I'm really sick of this state. 8 years till retirement then I can move to America

Scap, I'm surprised you even got a regular response from anyone w/ a e-mail. Usually all you get is a auto computer response, giving you a thank you for your concerns. But at least you got someones attention on your views. They say phone calls are the best contact, but I find you rarely get to speak to them. So I usually type up a nice letter, and mail it. Least then they have a hard copy. If groups of people get together, and mail letters it can be effective. Passing on this sort of info to your hunting clubs, and organizations is a good idea. You can also go as far as to type up a form letter to hand out, and they simply have to sign it & mail.

E-mails sent!!!