Youth Deer Hunting Pilot Program Extension
Summary
Local Law No. 5 lets 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters keep hunting deer in Tompkins County through 2028. Supporters point to deer overpopulation and vehicle collisions; opponents, including one legislator who is a parent, worry about guns in children's hands for a tiny permit-revenue gain.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $200 in youth permit fees last year — negligible to the county budget.
Young hunters and their mentors, plus drivers and gardeners affected by deer overpopulation.
Opponents say the arrangement risks firearm accidents involving children.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — October 6, 2026
Local Law No. 5 lets 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters keep hunting deer in Tompkins County through 2028. Supporters point to deer overpopulation and vehicle collisions; opponents, including one legislator who is a parent, worry about guns in children's hands for a tiny permit-revenue gain.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — September 15, 2026
The Legislature set an October 6 public hearing on a local law letting 12- and 13-year-olds hunt deer under adult supervision. A state Conservation Fund Advisory Board representative urged quick action, noting Tompkins is the only region county that hasn't opted in for the new period.
Government Operations Committee - Regular Meeting — September 8, 2026
The committee unanimously recommended extending the state pilot letting 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters hunt deer through 2028. Supporters cited a state report showing zero hunting-related safety incidents involving mentored youth since 2021, plus ecological benefits of reducing the deer population.
Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting — August 25, 2026
The county is opting in to a state program letting 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters hunt with mentors using crossbows, rifles, shotguns, or muzzleloaders through 2028. A public hearing is set for October 6.
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Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — June 2, 2026
The county endorsed state bills extending rifle hunting for deer and bear through 2028. Supporters call it safer and more humane; opponents objected to bear hunting and the rushed process.
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