Orleans looks to extend youth hunting pilot program
ALBION – Orleans County is looking to extend a pilot program lowering the age from 14 to 12 for people to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm.
The county approved the program in 2021, and there have been “absolutely no accidents reported,” said Lynne Johnson, the County legislature chairwoman.
The Legislature on Tuesday voted to set a public hearing at 4:20 p.m. on Feb. 20 to extend the pilot program.
The state has allowed counties to opt in in the pilot program with the lower age. The youth hunters need to be under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter.
Youths ages 12 and 13 could already hunt deer and bear with archery equipment and small game with firearms. Until the pilot program, New York was the only state that didn’t allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm.
The public hearing will be at the legislative chambers at the County Office Building, 14016 Route 31 in Albion.
