Kevin Busch, of Colonie, was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends. For 19 years, he dedicated his time as a Youth Hunter Education program instructor, emphasizing safety to hundreds of future hunters.

On Monday, the Albany County Legislature honored the family of Busch, who passed in July, with a proclamation recognizing his years of community service, before renaming a new local law as The Kevin Busch Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program. The local law was adopted unanimously.

“Kevin called me only a few weeks ago to speak in favor of the youth hunting bill. He explained his role as a youth hunter instructor and how this bill would be important to the kids. I didn’t realize how ill he was at the time, but the fact that he made every effort to reach out to me speaks to how committed he was to the future of hunting,” said Legislator Victoria Plotsky, who sponsored the local law. “When I learned he had passed, renaming the bill in his honor just seemed like the right thing to do.”

“We are honored to memorialize Mr. Busch's contributions to youth hunting education in Albany County as we pass this legislation. His legacy will now live on through the effort to reconnect more families and young people with hunting and our natural world,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce.

Under the local law, The Kevin Busch Pilot Youth Deer Hunting Program allows for 12- and 13-year-old individuals to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. The intent of the program is to allow experienced, adult hunters to introduce the value of hunting to the next generation.

The licensed youth hunters must adhere to several requirements that include supervision of a licensed adult hunter, ages 21 or over; wearing fluorescent orange or pink clothing while hunting; and remaining at ground level at all times while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading firearm.

In his role as a youth hunter instructor, Busch taught firearm and archery safety courses at the Bethlehem Sportsman Club and the 4-H to ensure a safe experience for youth.

In addition, Busch served as President of the Albany County Conservation Alliance and the Bethlehem Sportsman Club, where he raised thousands of dollars to send kids to the Environmental Conservation Summer Camp. He also represented the Albany County Conservation Alliance at the Altamont Fair and hosted annual Ice Fishing Tournaments at Thompson’s Lake.

“My father’s greatest love after his family was youth education and participation in outdoor sports. Sustainment of outdoor programs through hunter safety, bow hunters youth camp and the Albany County Conservation Alliance youth fishing tournament were his pride and joy," said Michael Busch.