Bill > A02312

This bill establishes a hunting mentorship program that allows children as young as 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 must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid hunter's education certificate and current hunting license, and either be the parent/guardian of the mentee or authorized by the parent/guardian. The bill stipulates that mentors can only mentor one person at a time during a hunting trip and that the mentor and mentee can only jointly possess one firearm, one bow, or one crossbow while hunting. This program aims to introduce younger individuals to hunting in a supervised and controlled environment, potentially increasing youth participation in hunting while maintaining safety standards through direct adult supervision.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2312