EC Legislature ready to override youth big game hunting bill

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz remains steadfast in his opposition of allowing teenagers- 12 years old and 13 years old to be exact - to use firearms for big game hunting.

But, that doesn't mean teenaged big game hunters may allowed in Erie County.

When the Erie County Legislature, on April 30, passed by a 7-3 count the law allowing 12-year-olds and 13-years-old the legal right to hunt big game like deer, they knew that Poloncarz would veto the proposed bill. The county executive had done so the previous time the bill was proposed.

But, the county lawmakers that a super majority was needed to over ride Poloncarz's veto and that is expected when the legislature meets on May 30. Eight of the 11 county lawmakers must approve the bill.

Clarence legislator Christopher Greene was ill and not in attendance for the April 30 meeting, but he has said he supports the measure.

Fellow lawmaker Frank Todaro said he anticipates there will be the eight over ride votes.

"It would be a shame if that doesn't happen," Todaro said. "I expect it to happen."

Erie County and Rockland County are the only two New York state counties that have not passed the 12-and-13 year-old big game hunting bill. The bill took effect as a pilot program by the state DEC in 2021.

"We don't need to be the only upstate county that doesn't allow it," Todaro said.

The irony is that 12 and 13 year olds can big game hunt in neighboring places like Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.

And, under the current DEC program 12 and 13 year olds can already use firearms and crossbows for small game hunting, such as for turkey. That includes Erie County.

Poloncarz, in a prepared release, said "I have read too many child fatality reports to sign a law that could potentially result in a child dying because of its passage."

The county executive said he will respect the legislature's over ride vote,

"But, if they override this veto and a child dies in the future, my conscience will be clear knowing I did everything I could to try and prevent that tragedy," Poloncarz said in his statement.

Todaro emphasized that training is a big part of the bill and also teenaged hunters must be accompanied by an adult.

"You don't just sign up and go out into the woods," Todaro said. "The difference as to why this isn't allowed in Erie County is because of County Executive Mark Poloncarz. He is exercising his personal feelings."