Morinello, Assembly minority conference call for expanded hunting and crossbow licensing

Republican Assemblyman Angelo Morinello joined members of the minority conference requesting expanded hunting and crossbow licensing be included in the final budget.

The governor's executive budget proposal included lowering the hunting age limit to 12 years old and expanding the use of crossbows in all big-game and small-game hunting seasons in which other bow-hunting equipment is allowed, but these proposals were removed from the recently introduced Assembly and Senate one-house budgets.

“It is so important we welcome and encourage young hunters to participate in this sport,” Morinello said. “Hunting is a crucial component to ensure the rising deer populations are regulated across the state, and engaging our young people ensures this for years to come. Further, the recently released 10-year deer management plan offered by the Department of Environmental Conservation recommended the inclusion of crossbows in managing deer herds.

“Many hunters are faced with physical limitations that make traditional bow usage impossible. By including crossbows in the eligible criteria, hunters otherwise unable to participate in this current bow season have an opportunity to do so.”

Currently, New York is the only state in the nation that has not lowered its big-game hunting age limit to 12 years old or younger. The average age of individuals purchasing a sporting license is 50 years old. 

Morinello represents the 145th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Erie and Niagara counties. For more information, visit his official website.