New York boasts thousands of acres of public wilderness and diverse wildlife, making hunting in the state a popular activity. Hunters in search of big game, small game, waterfowl, turkey, migratory birds, and furbearers make the most of New York's resources. Licenses are available for rifle, muzzleloader, archery, crossbow, and trapping, although special rules apply for youth permits. Here are six things to know before applying for a youth hunting license in New York.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
- Youth ages 12 to 15 can apply for a hunting permit in New York under the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program. All licensed youth in this program can hunt small game animals, while children ages 14 and 15 can also hunt deer and bear with a firearm.
- In order to obtain a license, junior hunters must first pass a hunter education course. While the minimum hunting age in New York is 12 years old, the minimum age to take the course is age 11. The course takes at least 10 hours, and covers topics such as the history of firearms, ammunition, safety issues, firearm and crossbow handling, gun storage, basics of marksmanship, wildlife conservation, laws and regulations, and ethics and responsibility. After attending all classes, demonstrating responsibility, and passing the final exam, students receive the Hunter Education Certificate of Qualification, which enables them to apply for a hunting license. Parental or guardian permission is required for youth enrollment in the course.
VOTE NOW: Is New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker Doing a Good Job?
- Armed with the Hunter Education Certificate and a new license, youth ages 12 and 13 can hunt accompanied by an adult licensed mentor 21 years or older who is designated on the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Permission Form. Hunters ages 14 and 15 require a mentor 18 years or older as specified on the same form.
- Junior hunters who are 14 and 15 years old, accompanied by a 21-year-old adult mentor, can hunt deer and bear using a firearm. The adult mentor must be licensed and experienced in big game hunting, and must "maintain physical control over the junior hunter at all times while hunting," according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
- Junior hunters ages 12 to 15 years who also take the Bowhunter Education course can hunt deer and bear with a bow. Junior bowhunters must be accompanied by an adult mentor just like junior hunters.
- Lifetime licenses are available for New York residents at a one-time fee. A lifetime license purchased for a child is not fulfilled until the child turns 12 years old and completes the hunter education course. At that time, the tags will be mailed to the junior hunter.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.