Clock is ticking for Upstate NY counties to ‘opt-in’ for lowering deer hunting age with firearms Updated Apr 30, 2021; Posted Apr 30, 2021 Andrew Stratton, of Hoosick Falls, N.Y., shot this impressive buck during the 2020 Columbus Day Weekend Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt weekend that allows hunters ages 14-15 to hunt big game with an adult mentor. Also pictured is the boy's grandfather Bill Hanselman, also of Hoosick Falls, who served as the boy's mentor for the hunt. Facebook Share The clock is ticking for counties in Upstate New York to “opt-in” for a two-year pilot program allowing junior hunters ages 12 -13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow beginning this fall.