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Schenectady County Calls for Public Hearing on Junior Big Game Hunting

Schenectady County Seal

PILOT Program for 12-13 Year-Olds Would Run from 2021-2023

Schenectady County will hold a public hearing on Proposed Local Law C of 2021 on July 6, 2021 at 7pm. A resolution calling for the public hearing was passed by the Legislature earlier tonight during their regular meeting.

New York State Environmental Conservation Law now allows counties to opt-in to participate in a deer hunting pilot program that allows hunting license holders who are 12 or 13 years of age to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading firearm. If passed in Schenectady County, the pilot program would run between June 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. Additional information about Junior Big Game Hunting in NYS is available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html.

“This pilot program will allow experienced adult hunters to introduce the next generation to big game hunting right here in Schenectady County,” said Schenectady County Legislator Tom Constantine, Chair of the Public Safety & Firefighting Committee, and sponsor of Proposed Local Law C of 2021. “It will help foster a safe and rewarding experience for youth while they learn to hunt in a responsible and ethical way.”

Information on how members of the public can submit comments on the proposed local law will be available on www.schenectadycounty.com/legislature.