https://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/recreational/2021/07/15/dutchess-county-opts-in-new-york-youth-deer-hunters-offers-education-classes/7958334002/

Bill ConnersOutdoorsView Comments0:300:47https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.471.1_en.html#goog_1590492543

At its July meeting, the Dutchess County Legislature voted to opt into a state Department of Environmental Conservation pilot programto allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer within Dutchess County. Established in the 2021 New York State Budget, this two-year pilot will evaluate the ability of younger hunters to hunt deer safely and humanely.

Any youngster who wants to participate in the program will be required to have a New York State Hunting License. To qualify for a license they must first complete a Hunter Education Class taught by a New York State certified Hunter Education Instructor.

Each fall there is a mad scramble on the part of new hunters to find a Hunter Education class. Until 2020 their only option was to attend in-person classes. Because of the public gathering restrictions put in place last year, the DEC implemented online Hunter Education…