A meeting will be held this week in Erie County to discuss the future of a hunting law that remains unique in New York State. While nearly every other county in New York that permits hunting also allows 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a firearm under supervision, Erie County does not.

Erie County To Discuss Youth Deer Hunting Law

Deer hunting is a long-standing tradition across New York State. For generations, families have spent time together in the woods hunting whitetail deer. However, hunting is about much more than tradition or filling a freezer for the winter.

Related: Changes to Spring Turkey Hunting in New York State

At its core, hunting is a key part of conservation. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does an important job maintaining a healthy deer herd. Without hunters and conservation efforts, wildlife populations could grow beyond sustainable levels, creating major problems for both animals and people.

Meeting Scheduled For April 22

For those who support changing the law in Erie County to allow younger hunters into the woods with a firearm, a public meeting is scheduled for April 22 at 6 p.m.

Supporters believe that allowing supervised 12- and 13-year-old hunters would help preserve the tradition of hunting and encourage the next generation to learn about safety and conservation.

We reached out to WYRK listeners to get their thoughts on the proposal, and many people shared their opinions.

“Hunting educates youth on the safety of using a firearm or crossbow. It is an important time for bonding with parents or grandparents, instills a love and respect for nature, and creates opportunity to feel gratitude and appreciation for the circle of life”. E. in Alden

“Hunting imparts essential life skills to young individuals, such as patience, respect for the environment, and the importance of perseverance. Engaging in hunting fosters an understanding of the delicate balance between life and death, as well as our role within this equilibrium”. J. in West Falls

Not Everyone Supports The Proposal

Although many WYRK listeners appear to support the law, not everyone agrees. On Facebook, several groups oppose hunting in general, and many of those groups are especially against allowing children to hunt with firearms.

Opponents argue that children that young should not be in the woods with guns, while supporters say proper supervision and training are the most important factors.

Why Hunting Still Matters In New York State

Regardless of where you stand on hunting, wildlife management remains an important issue in New York State. As development continues to spread into rural areas and wildlife habitat shrinks, interactions between humans and animals become more common.

Read More: $5 Hunting License in New York State

Hunting is one of the most effective ways to help keep wildlife populations under control. Whether through regulated hunting seasons, nuisance permits for agriculture, or targeted population management programs within municipalities, maintaining a healthy balance between wildlife and people is critical.

Without those efforts, deer and other wildlife can create problems ranging from crop damage to dangerous encounters on roads and in neighborhoods.

More Wildlife Encounters Are Happening

This is the time of year when more baby animals begin showing up across New York State and on social media feeds. Bears are coming out of hibernation, and many young animals are being born.

Wildlife experts remind people not to approach or disturb baby animals unless they are clearly injured or in danger. If you believe an animal needs help, contact a wildlife professional.

As more people move into rural communities, encounters between humans and wildlife will continue to increase. Supporters of youth hunting say that teaching children about hunting at a younger age can help them understand firearm safety, respect for nature, and the importance of conservation.

The Future Of Hunting Depends On The Next Generation

Many supporters believe the future of hunting depends on getting young people involved. Starting children at a younger age, under proper supervision, can teach them how to safely handle firearms and understand the role hunting plays in conservation.

For many families in New York State, this debate is not just about hunting. It is about tradition, wildlife management, and ensuring the next generation understands the responsibility that comes with both.

“Youth hunting has played an integral part in both my of children’s lives. Being out in the field or the tree stand at 12 years old , gave both of my children an opportunity to spend time with their father, uncles and grandfather, enjoying something passed down for generations”. C. in Colden