Relates to junior small and big game hunting license and the use of crossbows; repealer

6 Co-sponsors

• George D. Maziarz
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• James L. Seward
• George Winner
• Catharine Young

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to a junior small and big game hunting license and the use of crossbows; and repealing certain provisions of such law relating thereto

Purpose

To amend the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to (1) provide for a junior small and big game license that would allow fourteen and fifteen year-old hunters to hunt big game with a firearm under adult supervision and to clarify existing age restrictions applicable to young hunters; and (2) allow for the use of crossbows.

Summary of provisions

The ECL is amended as follows:

A. The existing language of Subdivision 12 of ECL §11-0701 is lettered paragraph a, and a new paragraph b is added to create a junior small and big game license entitling persons between fourteen and sixteen years to hunt wildlife pursuant to Title 9 and to hunt wild deer and bear with a firearm during the regular season and with a muzzle loader during muzzle loading seasons, under adult supervision. Additional amendments are made throughout Article 11, Title 9 to set forth the fee for the new license and the privileges of such license, and to clarify the age restrictions applicable to young hunters. Article 11, Title 9 of the ECL is amended where appropriate to reflect the new license.

B. Paragraph g of Subdivision 3 and Subdivision 15 of ECL § 11-0901 are amended, Subdivision 16 is repealed, and a new Subdivision 16 is added to grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) the authority to allow the use of crossbows by regulation, including by any person with a physical disability.

"Future of Deer Hunting Initiative" in 2000 resulted in a number of requests to allow the use of crossbows under a variety of conditions.

Currently, ECL 11-0901(3)(g) prohibits the taking of wildlife by use of a crossbow. The potential exists for the use of crossbows for hunting in a number of different situations. Therefore, in addition to removal of the prohibition on the use of crossbows for taking wildlife, it would be desirable for the Department to have authority to allow the use of crossbows as the Department deems appropriate so as to best manage deer populations.

Introduction of the use of crossbows has the potential to be a key factor in achieving desired deer harvests in specific locations such as suburban areas where additional deer take is needed. Concurrently, the legalization of crossbows could expand the number of hunting participants.

The Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources has considered the potential impacts that might result from allowing the use of crossbows for deer hunting. Previously, the Department proposed, if granted regulatory authority, that crossbows be allowed for use for deer hunting in regular big game seasons, and for use in all seasons by senior and handicapped hunters. Further, the Department also proposed allowing crossbows in some archery-only areas where deer harvest is inadequate.

Legislative history

2007-08: S.860-A/A.1154-A. 2005-06: S.4116 2003-04: S.4931. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : This proposal is expected to result in increased license sales. Revenues from license sales are deposited into the Conservation Fund.

Effective date

This act shall take effect October 1, 2010, provided that any regulations necessary for the timely implementation of the provisions of this act on its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such date.