One thing New York state does well is provide opportunities for youth hunters. Columbus Day weekend is just ahead, and youth hunters and their adult mentors can participate in the special youth firearms big game hunt Oct. 12-14.

Both resident and nonresident youth hunters aged 12-15 may partake. However, hunters aged 12-13 may only participate in counties that have passed a local law allowing 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a firearm (Chautauqua County, OK; Erie County, Not OK; visit Youth Big Game Hunting-NYSDEC).

The youth firearms big game hunt occurs in all other areas of New York, except in Wildlife Management Units where only bowhunting is allowed (Wildlife Management Units 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C) or where big game hunting is prohibited (WMUs 1A, 2A, and 9C). The youth firearms big game hunt over this weekend provides opportunities for youth hunters to become familiar with big game hunting under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced adult mentor. To participate, youth hunters must:

Complete a course in hunter education.

The Mentored Youth Hunter and trapper Permission Form can be downloaded with additional information at this link: https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/ythpermform.pdf.

Purchase a New York State hunting license and be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult mentor who is 21 years old or older.

The supervising adult mentor must have at least three years of experience hunting big game with a firearm, a New York State hunting license, and the ability to consistently maintain physical control over the youth hunter while hunting.

A Mentored Youth Hunter Permission Form (PDF) must be completed and carried in the field whenever a youth hunter is mentored by an adult hunter who is not their parent. This form is a legal requirement that ensures the adult mentor has the necessary permissions to supervise the youth hunter during the hunt.

Youth hunters and adult mentors must also wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink, visible from all directions, and, by state law, must remain at ground level while hunting big game with a firearm. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even legal action, so it’s crucial to adhere to these rules.

Tree stands or elevated blinds may not be used.

During the youth firearms big game hunt, youth hunters may harvest one deer and one bear if the youth hunter is 14 or 15 years old, or one deer if the youth hunter is 12 or 13 years old. For deer, a Deer Management Permit (antlerless deer only), Deer Management Assistance Program tag (antlerless deer only), or regular season deer tag can be used. During the youth firearms big game hunt, youth hunters may use the regular season tag for a deer of either sex. Additionally, in WMUs with mandatory antler point restrictions, youth hunters are exempt from the restrictions.

In summary, to participate in the youth hunt, the young folks need training, certification, an understanding of hunter ethics and current regulations, an awareness of surrounding areas for potential hazards, and an acknowledgment of how to respond in an emergency. Safety is paramount and ensures a secure and well-informed hunting experience that can result in developing a young person to better understand wildlife conservation and management. Nobody said it was easy for these young hunters, it’s not, but mentoring them helps with questions and answers.

Remember, at the same time, the early big game archery season is in full effect (Oct. 1 to Nov. 15), with bowhunters dressed in full camouflage. Care from the youth hunters and mentors must be exercised by looking beyond the shot. Good luck to all.

It’s a shared love for the outdoors that brings us all together. Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Oct. 12-13: Western New York Youth Pheasant Hunt weekend for junior hunters 12-15. Must be accompanied with a licensed mentor.

Oct. 12-14: NYS Youth Big Game Hunt Weekend for junior hunters 12-15. Must be accompanied with a licensed mentor.

Oct. 15: Fly Fishing and Fly-Tying Class, free, 7-8:30 p.m., with Alberto Rey, Costello Room, Rockefeller Arts Center, SUNY Fredonia. Info: email reya@fredonia.edu.

Oct. 15: Erie County Fish Advisory Board meeting, 7 p.m., open to public, Bison City Rod & Gun, 511 Ohio St.

Oct. 19: Regular WNY Pheasant Season opens.

Oct. 19-Nov. 1: NYS Southern Zone fall turkey season.