Wolfe: Mentorship Program Encourages Young People To Learn Firearm & Hunting Safety, Conservation Principles, Responsibility, Respect For Nature
New City, NY (June 3, 2026) – The Rockland County Legislature has voted to authorize participation in the New York State Youth Deer Hunting Program for 12- and 13-year-olds.
The pilot program allows eligible youth to hunt deer with a crossbow or firearm under the direct supervision of a licensed adult in accordance with strict New York State safety requirements and regulations.
The state pilot program, first established in 2021 and extended through the 2028 deer hunting season, permits authorized counties to opt in through local law. Under the program, participating youths must complete hunter safety education requirements, hold valid hunting licenses, and remain under the physical control of a parent, legal guardian, or qualified mentor at all times while hunting.
Rockland County Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe, sponsor of the local resolution, said the measure would provide educational and mentoring opportunities for young people while supporting longstanding conservation and wildlife management efforts.
“Hunting has long been an important outdoor recreational activity that also plays a role in wildlife conservation and management,” Wolfe said. “This program simply allows 12- and 13-year-olds in Rockland County to participate in the same state-authorized youth program already available in other counties, provided they are supervised by a licensed adult and comply with all state safety requirements.”
Wolfe added that the program creates opportunities for mentoring and outdoor education for younger participants.
“This is about responsible participation, education, and passing down outdoor traditions in a safe and structured environment,” Legislator Wolfe said. “The program encourages young people to learn firearm and hunting safety, conservation principles, responsibility, and respect for nature while spending time outdoors with parents, guardians, or experienced mentors. It would not expand hunting locally beyond allowing eligible youths to participate under state law.”
In a February 2026 report, the state Department of Environmental Conservation showed that during the first four years of the pilot program, 12- and 13-year-old hunters had zero hunting-related shooting incidents, violations or license revocations.
The report also showed that these youth hunters accounted for approximately $200,000 in hunting license sales annually, with 12,632 youth licenses issued for the 2025-26 big game hunting season.
The pilot program allowed a total of 54 of the 62 counties outside NYC to opt into the program by adopting a local law. If the measure adopted by the County Legislature is signed by the County Executive, Rockland will become the final county of the 54 authorized to participate in the program.
The adopted local law specifically maintains all existing state restrictions regarding hunting seasons, bag limits, permitted hunting locations, landowner permissions, and safety standards. Participants would also be required to wear fluorescent orange or pink apparel as mandated by state law, and minors would be prohibited from hunting from elevated positions.
Hunting is illegal in all County, Town and Village Parks in Rockland County. Limited hunting in specific areas is allowed in Harriman State Park, with permits required. Visit the NYS DEC website for more information about hunting in New York: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting
Laura Incalcaterra
Communications Director
Rockland County Legislature
11 New Hempstead Road
New City, NY 10956
(845) 638-5184