New gun laws that have taken effect in New York state are causing confusion around certain hunting-related sport activities.

At the trap shooting range, Noah St. John finds peace of mind.

“It really just takes your mind off of things, when you’re out here on the trap field," St. John said. "You just have time to focus on yourself, and put your best out there on the trap field.”

Noah started shooting with his dad when he was little.

“It was just getting out there in nature, with my dad obviously, so that was bonding time,” St. John said.

He is now a three-time state qualifier for high school trap shooting.

“It takes time to get better at things,” St. John said. “I’ve noticed you have to really put forward effort to get better at things in life, this included.” 

But trap shooting has been a recent topic of discussion following new gun legislation that has taken effect in New York state. While the governor’s office has said the new laws won’t impact hunting or hunting-related activities, some are confused by language which prohibits guns in “sensitive areas,” including sporting events.

“It’s flawed. It’s confusing, there have been so many questions raised," Republican state Senator Pam Helming said. "And most importantly, it unfairly puts law-abiding citizens at risk.”

Helming has put forward legislation to clarify this issue, though unless a special session is called, it may have to wait until January to be re-introduced.

“A frequently asked questions page on the New York State DEC website can go away at any time,” Helming said. “I’m not even sure who wrote it.” 

She says New Yorkers, particularly enthusiastic high schoolers, deserve options.

“Whether that’s football, soccer, marching band or clay target shooting, we need to have these opportunities available for our students," Helming said. "It helps them mentally and physically stay strong.”

St. John believes the trap hunting community is one of the best.

“Everybody is so nice,” St. John said. “You get talking to people, and they really care about the sport and how you’re doing in this.” 

He wants to see it protected.

“There’s so many people that do it,” St. John said. “I think it really would be a big bummer if they did something to harm this.”