Provides for the licensing, regulation and protection of hunting ranch facilities

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S2686

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to hunting ranch facilities

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide for the licensing, regu- lation and protection of hunting ranch facilities in New York State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 adds a new section 11-1908 of the Environmental Conservation Law to provide for strict regulation of hunting ranch facilities in New York State.

Section 2 states the effective date.

Justification

This bill seeks to insure proper regulations of deer farms and hunting ranches in New York State. Deer and elk farmers continue to seek additional opportunities to manage risk and increase profitability through diversification of farm commodity production. Developing and establishing non-traditional livestock operations is one of many ways to help keep land protected. New York's deer and elk farms constitute a young industry, but one already contributing in a positive way to the state's niche agricultural economy.

New York's deer and elk farms put money back into the state by providing economic development opportunities for rural areas as well as many small family farming opportunities for more suburban or exurban areas where open space preservation is critical. The deer and elk farm industry is growing in NYS being among one of the top ten states. This legislation would help to ensure the regulation and protection of hunting ranch facilities in New York State.

Prior legislative history

2011,2012: S.4939/A.429 Referred to Environ- mental Conservation 2009,2010: S.5438/A.7223 Referred to Environmental Conservation

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.