Youths who are 12 and 13 will be able to hunt with a firearm or crossbow this deer season, although some county officials expressed concern about them being able to use rifles.

During the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting, lawmakers voted 18-1 to adopt a local law which would allow 12 and 13 year olds to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or mentor.

Currently youth as young as 14 can hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle loader with adult supervision. Youth that are 12 and 13 can hunt small game with a gun and can hunt deer with a bow and arrow.

Earlier this year the state legislature created a pilot youth deer program which would allow 12 and 13 year olds the same opportunity as those 14 and 15, however counties must agree to join the program.

Before the vote took place, a few county lawmakers expressed their disappointment that the state included rifles in the legislation.

“I wish that the state legislature would have not included rifles, but I do appreciate the mentoring program,” said Legislator Kevin Muldowney, R-Dunkirk.

Legislator Bill Ward, R-Mayville, agreed, saying he was “dismayed” that rifles are included in the legislation. Still, he gave his support. “I do believe this highlights and enhances safety,” he said.

While both Muldowney and Ward both expressed disappointment but still supported the legislation, Legislator Bob Whitney, D-Jamestown, said he would not back it. “I like everything in the bill except the word ‘rifle’ and because of that I will be voting no. The word rifle should not be in there for a child that age. They can shoot guns, that’s fine but the word ‘rifle’ shoots the whole thing off for me,” he said.

The main difference between a rifle and a shotgun consists in the fact that the rifle bore has grooves, while the shotgun bore is smooth. Because of this, a bullet fired from a rifle can travel much further than from a shotgun. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s website, rifle hunting in Chautauqua County is not permitted north of Route 20.

Other county lawmakers said this legislation would help drive interest in hunting and enhance safety.

“It’s a very family-oriented opportunity, to provide something for families to do,” said Legislator Dan Pavlock, R-Sinclairville. “Gun safety is always practiced. Kids are required to have proper gun training and take hunter safety courses. They’re accompanied by an adult.”

Legislator John Davis, R-Frewsburg, agreed. “As an educator, I see firsthand the importance of training and teaching our young individuals proper policies, techniques and practices. I think it’s extremely important, particularly with hunting … to begin teaching individuals at a young age how to properly handle firearms and how to properly hunt,” he said.

When the vote took place, only Whitney voted against it.

The legislation heads to the County Executive PJ Wendel. According to attorney Stephen Abdella, a public hearing must be held before Wendel can sign it. He has previously indicated support for this. Once it is signed and filed with the state, it will go into effect.

Abdella added that because the legislation originated in the state legislature, it cannot be modified, so rifles cannot be singled out.