Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has vetoed a new law that would have allowed 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt big game under adult supervision in Buffalo. The law was intended to provide young teens with the opportunity to hunt deer and other big game under the guidance of an experienced adult.
"The safety of our residents is my top priority," Mark Poloncarz said in a statement. The veto has sparked debate among hunting enthusiasts and concerned parents in the community.
The law was proposed in response to growing interest in hunting among young people in Erie County, particularly in rural areas such as Tonawanda and Clarence. The veto is likely to affect the plans of many young hunters who were looking forward to participating in big game hunting this season. South Buffalo homeowners and parents in the Williamsville district are among those who will be impacted by this decision.
The Erie County Legislature will need to decide whether to override the veto, which would require a two-thirds majority vote. A meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss the issue further.