The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has
> proposed a firearms Big Game "Youth" Hunt for November 13 and 14, 2004.
> Yes, you read it right firearms in archery season!
>
> This proposal will allow 16 and 17 year olds to use firearms to take deer
> and bear during one of the best southern zone bowhunting periods. This
> proposal would ruin the last week and both of the last two weekends of the
> southern zone archery hunting seasons. The NYS DEC will decide by May 1,
> 2004 whether or not to hold this hunt. If the hunt is held this year you
> can expect it to continue in future years. Your prompt attention is
> vital.
>
> 1.) New York Bowhunters, Inc. (NYB) supports increased youth hunting
> opportunity. We have a scholarship program for young people going into the
> field of conservation, a youth membership called SPIKES, youth camps
> throughout the state for 12 to 15 year olds, an annual Youth Hunt for 14
> and 15 year olds, and an awards program for youth. Many NYB members are
> long time sportsmen and bowhunter education instructors.
>
> 2.) As a result of NYB activity junior big game hunters can use their Deer
> Management Permits (DMP) and Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAP)
> during all available seasons. Because of NYB all junior big game hunters
> pay a reduced license fee.
>
> 3.) The NYS DEC, by its own license system, defines youth as those hunters
> 15 years old and younger. 16 and 17 year olds are young adults. By the
> age of 16 young people are well indoctrinated in their chosen fields of
> interest. Enactment of this proposal will not help recruit youth into the
> shooting sports.
>
> 4.) Juniors 14 years of age and older can already hunt big game with bow
> and arrow through out the big game seasons.
>
> 5.) The DEC understands the negative impact this will have on deer
> hunting. When NYB members asked them why November 13 & 14 instead of the
> last weekend before gun season they replied that "the deer need a week to
> calm down before firearms season opens". The DEC is willing to have deer
> spooked during bow season but they want them calmed down for the firearms
> season. Go figure.
>
> 6.) The safety concerns are obvious; firearms hunters, using firearms
> tactics like deer drives at the same time, in the same places where
> camouflaged bowhunters are trying to remain undetected...
>
> 7.) The disruption to the bowhunting season and the whitetail rut cycle
> are obvious. Once the gun fire begins all bets on deer movement are
> off...
>
> 8.) The law enforcement concerns are obvious.
>
> All in all, this is one of the most foolish ideas that has ever come out
> of NYS DEC Headquarters.
>
> What New Yorker's need to be doing is pushing for passage of A1099 which
> would lower junior archery age from 14 to 12 years of age, and A6752 which
> will lower junior big game (firearms) from 16 to 14 years of age.
>
> Contact the NYS DEC at the following address;
> New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
> Attn: John Major, Bureau of Wildlife
> 625 Broadway Ave., 5th Floor
> Albany, New York 12233-4754
> [email protected]
>
> Tell Mr. Major that this proposal is unacceptable. Firearms do not belong
> in archery big game seasons, it does not matter who is using the firearms.
> Tell him that if adopted this proposal will ruin the archery seasons that
> we cherish, the seasons we have worked so long and hard to establish and
> to protect. Tell him that young adults should not be entitled to 'special
> rights' by virtue of age. Tell him that this proposal calls the NYS DEC's
> judgment into question and that it will be difficult for sportsmen to
> trust DEC judgment if they continue on this course.
>
> To weigh in on A6752, and A1099 send your letters to your district
> assembly representative and to;
>
> The Honorable Thomas P. DiNapoli
> NYS Assembly
> Room 625 LOB
> Albany, NY 12248
> [email protected]
> WE KNOW GUNS AND ARROWS DONT MIX! Rich [:'(]