Albany – A bill to reduce the required minimum age for obtaining a junior archery license is on-target to become law after passing both the Senate and Assembly. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) is one of the sponsors of the bill (A.2021-A), which will now be delivered to Governor Cuomo for his consideration.

The bill reduces the required minimum age for obtaining a junior archery license for big game from 14 years old to 12 years old. Under current law, 12 year olds can only bowhunt small game.

In addition, the bill requires that a parent, legal guardian or other person designated in writing of at least 21 years of age supervise the youth. This person should also have at least 3 years experience hunting by longbow, hold a big game license and maintain physical control of the youth archer. If a junior archer is found to have violated any of these stipulations, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) may revoke the license for up to a maximum of 6 years.

“Having the same minimum age for junior hunting and junior archery makes perfect sense,” said Lupardo, a member of the Environmental Conservation committee. “This bill will encourage more youth to participate in the big game sport but still remain safe and supervised while hunting.”

The bill passed the Senate on February 28 and passed the Assembly on May 3. The new law would go into effect 90 days after it is signed by the governor.