Gov. Paterson has signed the long-awaited Junior Big Game Hunting and Trapper Mentor Bill into law.
The new measure now allows 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game when accompanied by a person over 21 with at least three years of big-game hunting experience. It requires both the youth and mentor to wear hunter orange (minimum hat or vest; orange camouflage being acceptable); the mentor must maintain physical control over the minor at all times (in close physical proximity, in constant visual contact and able to issue verbal directions and instructions).
The inclusion of the blaze orange requirement reportedly helped the bill gain the support of many legislators who in the past have not supported lowering the age to hunt big game. The bill specifically prohibits the hunter and mentor from using treestands.
Another aspect of the bill is that it will allow an adult other than the parent or legal guardian, with written permission, to take a junior hunter out for small game at age 12.
It also allows youths less than 12 years of age to accompany a licensed trapper over 21, with at least three years of trapping experience, and participate in all aspects of trapping without requiring the youth to be licensed.
The measure takes effect immediately.
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