04/22/2026
Our Presidents comments at tonight’s public hearing in Erie County
“Good evening, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
My name is Don Trzepacz, and I am a lifetime resident of Erie County. I’m here tonight as the President and Camp Director of the Region 9 Youth Archery and Sportsman’s Camp, a certified hunter education instructor, a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, a father of three young hunters, and a servicemember with nearly 28 years of military service.
For the past 32 years, our camp has provided high-quality hunter safety education to over 1,000 youth across Western New York—primarily from Erie County. These young people are taught firearm safety, ethics, responsibility, and respect for wildlife before they ever step into the field.
As a father, all three of my children hold lifetime hunting licenses and have safely hunted with me for most of their lives. Yet here in Erie County, they can legally hunt small game such as rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, and waterfowl, often firing many more rounds in a single outing than they would during a deer hunt, but they cannot participate in big game hunting. Meanwhile, youth across most of the rest of New York State can do so safely and responsibly. That inconsistency simply doesn’t make sense.
And to be clear—we are not talking about youth running aimlessly through the woods with fi****ms. We are talking about the most structured mentorship model required by law, where trained youth hunters must complete certified education and hunt under the direct supervision of experienced adult mentors.
As a firefighter and paramedic, I have unfortunately responded to hunting-related incidents. What stands out to me is this: there have been no youth-related safety incidents associated with structured, mentored participation like the kind we teach and support. That record speaks for itself.
Surrounded by those safety statistics, I think it is important to say clearly: facts matter. I have heard statements tonight suggesting youth are purchasing fi****ms and ammunition on their own, or that youth hunting participation is causing fatalities. Those statements are simply not accurate. Repeating misinformation does not improve safety. In fact, it highlights exactly why programs like ours are so important—because they teach young people respect, integrity, responsibility, and safe decision-making.
At a time when our youth are constantly exposed to negative influences, mentored hunting and hunter education provide structure, accountability, and leadership development that stays with them for life.
Erie County youth deserve the same safe opportunities already available across most of New York State. I respectfully ask for your support in updating this law.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please consider common sense legislation.” 🇺🇸🦌🎯
