Erie County, NY - Erie County Legislators, by a vote of 8-3, overturned the Erie County Executive’s veto of a youth hunting measure. The law allows 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game if accompanied by an adult. Erie County remained the only upstate county not to have passed the measure. Numerous people and organizations spoke at two separate public hearings, most in favor of the youth hunting law.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz cited safety concerns as his reason for the override vote. However, the Department of Environmental Conservation says that since this law has been enacted across most of New York State, there have been zero incidents involving young people hunting big game with a supervising adult.
“I’m pleased that my fellow legislators held firm to override Mark Poloncarz’s veto. The data is clear. There is no indication that this law puts our young people at risk. They were already allowed to hunt smaller game. This simply allows them to hunt big game with adult supervision,” said lead sponsor Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro.
“This was the right thing to do. I’m glad our fellow legislators held firm in support of this measure and didn’t give in to outside pressures,” said Minority Leader and Erie County Legislator John Mills.
“The legislators were steadfast in support of the youth hunting law. I’m glad they didn’t allow last minute maneuvering to change their vote,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“Mark Poloncarz let his personal bias on hunting get in the way of the facts. Those facts show young people are responsible hunters. They aren’t going out into the woods alone. They are joined by a parent or other adult who ensures all safety protocol is practiced, and the data shows it’s working,” said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
With the override, proper documents will be filed with New York State, and the law will take effect immediately.
