Children under the age of 12 could be hunting game with bows and dogs under a sweeping reform of NSW hunting laws.

Once the children reach the age of 16 they will no longer need any supervision at all to hunt.

NSW Department of Primary Industries says the changes are “draft regulations” and it’s about educating children about safe hunting practices from a young age.

Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst told Chris Smith the proposal is “absurd”.

“Animals are likely to suffer prolonged and painful deaths and children and weapons simply don’t mix and our laws shouldn’t be relaxed to allow that to happen.”

NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Roy Butler disagreed.

“The idea that we’re going to get worked up about kids using a bow and arrow to go and shoot a rabbit is ludicrous really… this is not a big deal.

“We’re talking about something that kids have been doing forever.”

Press PLAY below to hear the views from both MPs

Image: Getty