Allows for rifle hunting in portions of Ontario County

BILL NUMBER:S2975A

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to allowing the use of rifles for hunting in certain portions of Ontario county

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would allow the hunting of deer and bear through the use of a rifle in Ontario County by restricting same to the area within the county south of U.S. Route 20/New York State Route 5.

Justification

At the request of Ontario County, certain portions of that county south of U.S. Route 20/New York State Route 5 would be included in those areas where sportsmen and women are able to hunt deer and bear with rifles. Since 2005, several counties in Southern-and Central New York have been allowed to permit hunting of deer and bear with rifles. There have been very few reported adverse incidents or problems. Given the rural nature of that portion of Ontario County south of U.S. Route 20/New York State Route 5 and the safety record of hunters in the counties where rifle hunting has been permitted, it would be reasonable to now permit rifle hunters in southern Ontario County the same opportunities. This bill corrects the description of the portion of the county to which it applies, satisfying the concern raised in the Governor's veto message.

Prior legislative history

2009 S.6057/A.7581 passed both houses, but was vetoed by the Governor. S.7006 of 2010

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; with provisions.