Bow hunting for deer opens in state's Southern Zone

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

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Bow hunting for deer in New York’s Southern Zone is open, two weeks earlier than in the past.

A regulation change adopted by the Department of Environmental Conservation moved the opening date of archery season to Oct. 1 in the Southern Zone. Another rule change allows youth age 14 to 15 to carry firearms or crossbows.

The state’s first youth deer firearms hunt is next weekend, the three-day Columbus Day weekend. The special hunt is part of the state’s efforts to encourage more young people to take up hunting.

Junior hunters, age 14 and 15, with a big game license will be eligible to shoot one deer of either sex when accompanied by a licensed adult. The hunt is taking place in both the Northern and Southern zones.