Chautauqua County lawmakers will consider adopting legislation to allow for younger licensed deer hunters.

On Wednesday, the county Legislature will vote on a proposed local law which would permit individuals ages 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm when accompanied with a parent, legal guardian or mentor.

In previous years, youth 12 and older could hunt deer with a bow and arrow, but had to be at least 14 years old to hunt with a gun or crossbow. Those 12 and 13 are also already permitted to hunt small game, including turkey, rabbits, squirrels, pheasants and quail.

Earlier this year, the state Legislature adopted a temporary program through 2023 for young hunters in counties that choose to participate. If approved by a local county, the law 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 and allows 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows.

In order to hunt, those 12 and 13 need the supervision of a licensed adult hunter (aged 21 years or older) with at least three years of experience hunting deer who maintains physical control over the youth hunter at all times. The youth hunter and adult mentor are required to wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing and to remain at ground level while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader. They will not be able to hunt from a tree stand. Youth, like adults, would be required to take a hunter education/safety course beforehand.

The legislation applies to deer but does not apply for black bears.

Sheriff James Quattrone expressed his support for the legislation during the legislature’s Public Safety Committee meeting. “It’s a great opportunity to teach gun safety to young individuals and get them interested in a good, healthy sport, hopefully to direct them and to keep them out of trouble in the future,” he said.

Legislator Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan, said he also supports the move. “I think it’s a good program. A lot of counties across the state, especially the rural counties, are adopting this local law,” he said.

Legislator Paul Whitford, D-Jamestown, agrees. “I think it’s a great idea to be more proactive with the young people who show an interest in hunting and make sure they’re prepared early enough, instead of waiting until they’re older. It’s always supervised with an experienced hunter and they do have to jump through the hoops and learn that hunting safety. I support it 100%,” he said.

If passed on Wednesday, the local law would go in effect for this year’s deer hunting season, which would be Nov. 6-19 for crossbow, Nov. 20-Dec. 12 for shotgun and rifle, and Dec. 13-21 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1 for muzzleloader. There is also a youth hunt weekend Oct. 9-11, which would be for youth ages 12-15. Right now that weekend is only for those ages 14-15. Adult supervision is required.