NY Bowhunters Reply To 2005 Proposals
Folks,
If anyone is interested, this is what NY Bowhunters has to say about the "PROPOSED" 2005 regs changes for us Bowhunters!
CURRENT NEWS
Updated 12/06/2004
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NYB,
By now most of you have heard of the NYS DEC's radical plan to restructure our southern zone big game hunting seasons.
The DEC is proposing to open the southern zone archery only season on the first Saturday in October to run for two weeks, then close archery season for one week. During that week they will open an antlerless only muzzle loader season for 7 days. After 7 days they propose to re-open the archery-only season and run it until the third Friday in November. They propose to open the regular firearms season on the third Saturday in November and run it for 23 days.
This proposal is absolutely unacceptable to bowhunters. NYB will not sit back and allow the NYS DEC to ruin New York's archery-only season. Over the last few days I have been engaged in high level conversations with the DEC Wild Life Unit Manager, the President of the New York State Conservation Council, and with leaders in the New York State Legislature. I have told them all that the proposal is unacceptable. I've committed NYB to a vigorous opposition.
NYB never points out a problem without offering a solution. NYB has proposed an alternate season restructuring proposal that will meet everyone's needs and desires. This is what we have proposed;
1.) Open the southern zone archery-only season on 10-1 and run it through the Friday before Thanksgiving.
2.) Open a one week muzzle loader season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
3.) Open the Regular firearms season on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
We have also offered a second alternative; Maintain the status quo
I am working closely with the legislative committee to formulate our strategy. I am committing 100% of our energy to defeat the NYS DEC restructuring proposal. Beware that the DEC can enact their proposal (or ours) on their existing authority. However, the DEC is not omnipotent. They are accountable to the governor, the legislature, and ultimately to (we) the people.
Please spread the word among the rank and file and prepare them for our greatest challenge to date. Ask our members to tell their bowhunting friends what the NYS DEC is trying to do to bowhunters. If members know bowhunters who agree with our position but who are not already NYB members. It is time to fish or cut bait.
Kevin Armstrong, President
New York Bowhunters, Inc.