Poloncarz Says He Will Again Veto Youth Hunting Legislation in Erie County

Niagara Action
4 hours ago
3 min read

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he will once again veto any legislation that would allow 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt in Erie County under a state youth hunting program. The issue will again remain contentious between county leaders and lawmakers who support the measure.

County legislators had recently begun discussing another attempt to adopt a measure that would allow younger hunters to participate in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s youth hunting pilot program. The program allows counties to opt in and permit children ages 12 and 13 to hunt certain animals under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

Poloncarz, however, has made clear that if such legislation passes the Erie County Legislature and reaches his desk, he intends to block it, just as he did when a similar proposal was passed by lawmakers in 2021.

The county executive said his opposition centers on safety concerns and his belief that children of that age should not be handling firearms, even under adult supervision.

When asked to explain his position, Poloncarz did not point to statistical data, but rather coaching youth sports. He argued that children in that age group are still prone to impulsive behavior and poor decision-making. He also said that while the program requires adult mentors, he believes the risk associated with firearms remains too great.

According to Poloncarz, some hunters he has spoken with have also expressed skepticism about allowing children that young to participate in hunting activities involving firearms. He described the weapons used in hunting as serious and potentially dangerous if mishandled.

The county executive also emphasized that a veto in Erie County would not prevent families from participating in the program elsewhere. Under the DEC program, counties must opt in individually, meaning youth hunters could still participate in neighboring counties that allow the program.

Poloncarz noted that families interested in youth hunting could travel to nearby counties such as Cattaraugus or Chautauqua where the program is permitted.

New York State’s youth hunting initiative was created by the Department of Environmental Conservation to give younger participants an opportunity to learn hunting practices, wildlife management, and firearm safety under the direct supervision of an experienced adult hunter.

Participation is limited to counties that formally choose to allow the program.

Most counties across New York have opted into the initiative. According to Poloncarz, Rockland County is currently the only other county in the state that has declined to participate.

Poloncarz said Rockland County Executive Ed Day, a retired police officer, has also publicly opposed the program having argued that it’s not appropriate for children in that age group.

For Poloncarz, the central argument against the proposal is the possibility of accidental injury or death involving firearms in hunting situations.

He said hunting accidents occur every year including incidents in Western New York where hunters have been unintentionally shot by others in the field.

The county executive argued that approving the youth hunting measure would place additional risk on young participants. He said he would feel responsible if a young hunter were injured or killed after the county approved the program.

Poloncarz also noted that his views on the issue are not rooted in opposition to hunting itself. He said members of his own family are hunters, including his father, brother, and nephews.

Despite those personal connections to the sport, Poloncarz said he still believes the age threshold proposed under the DEC program is too young for individuals to be handling firearms.

The youth hunting proposal has periodically resurfaced in Erie County politics as supporters in the Legislature attempt to align the county with the statewide DEC program.

With Poloncarz reiterating his veto threat, the legislation’s prospects remain uncertain even if it gains enough support in the county legislature.