FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 1, 2005

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL ALLOWING HUNTERS TO USE RIFLES IN CERTAIN SOUTHERN ZONE COUNTIES

Conforms Hunting Regulations in Various Central NY Counties with Other Parts of Upstate
Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed into law legislation that will allow the use of rifles to hunt big game in certain counties in Central New York.
Under the new law, hunting regulations in the rural parts of the State's "Southern Zone" will conform to existing regulations that already allow the use of rifles to hunt big game in other parts of Upstate New York within the "Northern Zone."
"Hunters have always played an important role in New York and they are among the safest and most responsible in the nation," Governor Pataki said. "This new law will provide hunters in rural parts of New York's 'Southern Zone' with options during the big game season as other hunters in parts of upstate New York already have. It will also increase safety because rifles are considered to be as safe, and more accurate, than shotguns and other muzzle-loading firearms."
Senator Dale M. Volker said, "I would like to thank Governor Pataki for enacting this common sense approach to humanely thinning out our deer herds, stopping the spread of Lyme Disease in many Southern Tier counties, and allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to have enhanced opportunities to participate in our cultural heritage. For several years, the growth in the population of deer in the Southern Tier has been profound. By allowing rifle hunting for deer and bear in this region of our State, we can humanely lower the deer population and prevent human deaths from automobile accidents that have been rising from vehicles hitting deer on our highways."
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said, "There has been an overpopulation of deer and bear in New York for the past several years. As a result, many animals have died of starvation due to a lack of food. This law, which was supported by sportsmen in my district, will give hunters the opportunity to use rifles in eleven upstate counties to humanely lower the wildlife population."
The law, which takes effect immediately, allows rifles to be used during the regular hunting season in the whole counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chenango, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie, and Tioga, and the portion of Broome County east of the Susquehanna River.
The use of rifles for big game hunting is already allowed in all counties of the Northern Zone, and certain counties in the eastern portion of the Southern Zone. Rifles are considered to be as safe, and more accurate, than shotguns and muzzle-loading firearms.
Prior to enactment of this law, hunters in these Southern Zone areas could only use pistols, shotguns, muzzle-loading firearms, or long bows to hunt deer or bear in the regular season. Since rifles are preferred by many hunters, it is expected the law will increase hunter satisfaction in these counties.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "New York's hunters are true conservationists, and their efforts are essential in the proper management of wildlife in the Empire State. This legislation will increase opportunities for sportsmen and women in the field, and should lead to greater success for hunters in the Southern Zone."
Howard Cushing, President of the New York State Conservation Council, said, "The New York State Conservation Council is pleased to see this important piece of legislation passed. Hunter safety will always remain a top concern of the Council. We hope the passage of this legislation will help to act as a better game management tool and provide increased hunting opportunities for New York's sportsmen."
The deer hunting season in the Southern Zone runs for 23 days, beginning on the third Saturday in November. ###



http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/year05/sep01_2_05.htm
The Official Word from the Gov's Office.
Hope this clear's things up.