[Adopted 8-9-2021 by L.L.
No. 7-2021]
This article shall be known as "A Local Law Adopting a Pilot
Youth Deer Hunting Program."
Consistent with the provisions of Environmental Conservation
Law § 11-0935, this article is adopted to authorize the
expansion of youth hunting and allow licensed hunters ages 12 or 13
to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm
when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or mentor.
This article is adopted under the authority granted by:
A. Article IX of the New York State Constitution, § 2(c);
B. New York Municipal Home Rule Law § 10; and
C. New York Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0935.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ELIGIBLE AREA
Any county within the State of New York that has enacted
a local law authorizing participation in a youth hunting pilot program,
and has notified the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
of such participation.
HUNTING LICENSE HOLDER
A person who has successfully completed a hunter education/safety
course, and currently holds a valid hunting license issued by the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
LEGAL GUARDIAN
A person legally responsible for a minor participating in
the Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program who currently holds a valid hunting
license issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
and has at least three years of prior experience hunting deer as a
hunting license holder.
MENTOR
A person who:
A.
Currently holds a valid hunting license issued by the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation;
B.
Is 21 years of age or older;
C.
Has at least three years of prior experience hunting deer as
a hunting license holder; and
D.
Has been designated in writing by a minor's parent or legal
guardian on a form prescribed by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation to serve as a mentor to said minor for
purposes of the Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program.
MINOR
A youth 12 or 13 years of age who currently holds a valid
hunting license issued by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading
firearm within an eligible area.
PARENT
A person who currently holds a valid hunting license issued
by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, has
at least three years of prior experience hunting deer as a hunting
license holder and is the parent of the minor participating in the
Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program.
PHYSICAL CONTROL
That the physical proximity of a minor to a parent, legal
guardian or mentor is such that the parent, legal guardian or mentor
is:
A.
Reasonably able to issue verbal directions and instructions;
B.
Reasonably able to maintain constant visual contact; and
C.
Otherwise able to provide guidance and supervision to the minor.
In accordance with Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0935(2),
a copy of this article shall be filed with the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation; and in accordance with Municipal Home
Rule § 27, a copy shall be filed with the New York State
Department of State.