Junior Bowhunting 12 - 15 Year Old Bowhunters Can Hunt Deer and Bear with a Bow
Requires supervision of a licensed adult hunter (aged 21 years or older) with at least 3 years of experience hunting deer who maintains physical control over the youth hunter at all times.Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows.Allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas where and during the hunting seasons in which such firearms may be used, including during the Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt over Columbus Day weekend.Counties must pass a local law to allow this hunting opportunity and notify DEC (the map to the right will be regularly updated).Wildlife Management Unit boundaries (PDF) Larger view of participating counties shown with