Bill > S01153

This bill establishes a hunting mentorship program that allows individuals who are at least ten years old to hunt small game, fowl, deer, or bear during applicable seasons without obtaining a hunting license or completing a hunter's education course, provided they are within arm's reach of a qualified hunting mentor. A qualified hunting mentor is defined as a person who is 21 years or older, holds a valid hunters' education certificate and current hunting license, is either the parent/guardian of the mentee or authorized by their parent/guardian, and remains within arm's reach of the mentee while hunting. The bill also stipulates that the mentor and mentee can jointly possess only one firearm, bow, or crossbow during a hunting trip, and that a mentor can only mentor one person at a time. This program aims to make hunting more accessible to younger individuals by allowing them to learn and participate under direct adult supervision, potentially increasing engagement with hunting and outdoor activities while maintaining safety standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1153