New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) has introduced legislation in the New York State Assembly that would reduce the age for senior citizen hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses under the State Environmental Conservation Law to 65 years of age. Under current law, a person must be 70 or older to obtain a senior citizen license. The fees for senior citizens are discounted. For example, a lifetime fishing license is $460. However, a senior license costs $65. Annual fishing, trapping, and hunting licenses are $5 for senior citizens. Under legislation previously passed by Thiele, no license or fee is required for saltwater fishing.

Thiele stated, “The age of 65 is the standard retirement age in the United States and the age at which residents become eligible for Medicare. It is also the age under state law that persons become eligible for the senior citizen tax exemption and the enhanced STAR property tax exemption, as well as many other benefits under state law. It only makes sense that the same age be used for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. These citizens have made considerable contributions to their community and the state. They should be able to enjoy the benefits of hunting, fishing, and trapping a reduced rate.”

The legislation is sponsored in the State Senate by State Senator Lee Zeldin.