# Travel >> Destinations >> New Zealand

Minimum Age to Hunt Big Game in New York State

In New York State, the minimum age to hunt big game is 14 years old. This applies to deer, bear, and other big-game species during regular firearms seasons.

Junior Hunter Provisions (Ages 12–13)

New York offers a Junior Hunter Mentoring Program allowing 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game under strict conditions:

Must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated mentor ≥21 years old
Mentor must hold a valid NYS hunting license and have ≥3 years' big-game hunting experience
Junior hunter must complete Hunter Education Course and carry certification
Only one junior hunter per mentor afield at a time
Both must remain within arm's reach (close physical proximity)
Junior hunter may use firearm or bow (per season regulations)
Mentor cannot carry a firearm/bow while mentoring (except unloaded, cased)

Other Age-Related Rules

Small game / turkey: Minimum age 12 (with same mentoring rules for 12–13)
Bowhunting: Minimum age 12 (with mentoring for 12–13)
Trapping: No minimum age, but Trapper Education required for all first-time trappers
License requirements: Junior hunters (12–15) need a Junior Hunting License ($5); ages 16+ need regular license