In fact, most states require both a written test and a field test with a firearm. Among other subjects, the written test covers the type of game that can be harvested, as well as optimal shot placement on whitetail deer.
Now I'm not saying you're untruthful, Gondring, and goodness knows there are plenty of morons who hunt, just like there are morons who drive. All I'm saying is the folks in your story obviously did not pass Hunters Ed if they could not distinguish between a deer and a goat, and could not work the actions on their firearms. They were not legal hunters under New York law, and I don't know how such people could legally obtain a one-day permit. Did I miss something?
You missed that I pointed out exactly what you said. :-)
"I recall wondering how they ever got their licenses...we had to complete a course, written test, and shooting test.I imagine that they obtained their licenses via the simple passing of cash. It always seemed that many things happened in NYC that wouldn't fly out in the country where I lived.