Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Hunters to Use Rifles in Certain Southern Zone Counties
Governor George E. Pataki announced that he has signed into law a bill that will allow the use of rifles to hunt big game in certain counties in central New York. Under the new law, hunting regulations in the rural parts of the state's Southern Zone will conform to existing regulations that already allow the use of rifles to hunt big game in other parts of upstate New York within the Northern Zone.
"Hunters have always played an important role in New York and they are among the safest and most responsible in the nation," Governor Pataki said. "This new law will provide hunters in rural parts of New York's Southern Zone with the same options during big-game season that hunters in parts of upstate New York already enjoy. It will also increase safety because rifles are considered to be more accurate than shotguns and muzzle-loading firearms."
Effective Immediately
Five to six thousand bears
make their home in or near
New York's forests
(Photo by US Fish and Wildlife)
The law, which takes effect immediately, allows rifles to be used during the regular hunting season in all of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chenango, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie, and Tioga counties. Hunters should be aware that the new law does not affect hunting with rifles in Broome County. Rifles may be used in the easternmost portion of the county as in past years. However, the new law does not allow the use of rifles in any new areas of Broome County. The use of rifles for big-game hunting is already allowed in all counties of the Northern Zone, and certain counties in the eastern portion of the Southern-Zone. For a map of areas where rifles may be used, see the DEC web page on legal implements for regular hunting season. Rifles are considered to be as safe as, and more accurate than, shotguns and muzzle-loading firearms.*
Prior to enactment of this law, hunters in these Southern Zone areas could use only pistols, shotguns, muzzle-loading firearms, or bows to hunt deer or bear in the regular season. Because rifles are preferred by many big-game hunters, it is expected that the law will increase hunter satisfaction in these counties.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "New York's hunters are true conservationists, and their efforts are essential in the proper management of wildlife in the Empire State. This legislation will increase opportunities for sportsmen and women in the field, and should lead to greater success for hunters in the Southern Zone."
More Information
The deer-hunting season in the Southern Zone runs for 23 days, beginning on the third Saturday in November. See the web link below for more information about the areas affected by the new law.
* This paragraph was modified on November 2, 2005 to clarify the original wording.
