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Senator Gallivan To Host Sportsmen’s Panel On Crossbow Regulations Last year during his first annual sportsmen’s summit, the topic of crossbow regulations and their potential affect on the traditional bow season inspired so much debate that Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District) promised those present he would host a similar roundtable dedicated entirely to the cross bow issue. The Senator’s office announced the details of that “crossbow roundtable” today. “Shooters, archers, anglers, trappers, and sportsmen of every stripe are part of the fabric of Western New York, and an important constituency of mine,” the Senator said. “I promised all those who attended last year that I would organize another event where we could gather together and explore the crossbow issue in depth. The members of this panel represent some of the Western New York sportsmen community’s leading figures and I thank them for their willingness to participate offer their insight on this important issue.” Senator Gallivan continued to say that “the testimony and discussion from this roundtable will become part of Senate record” and will serve as source material for himself and his senate colleagues when considering future archery legislation. Senator Galllivan’s Crossbow Roundtable will take place January 26, 2012, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Allied Sportsmen Club, 12846 Clinton St. in Alden. The entire Western New York Legislative Delegation has been invited and the public is encouraged to attend.
DEC Seeks Information about Sick or Dead Deer The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public to report any instances of deer appearing sick or acting abnormally. DEC is only investigating deer that appear to have died from unknown causes and not those that were killed by a vehicle, the agency announced today. Anyone who sees a white-tailed deer acting abnormally or who finds a dead deer that was not struck by a vehicle is asked to report the animal to the nearest DEC regional office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer or Forest Ranger. Click HERE for further information from the DEC. WARSAW — A bill allowing rifle hunting in Wyoming County has become law. The legislation cleared its last legal hurdle last Wednesday night when it was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. It becomes effective immediately, although the big game season won’t start until Nov. 19. “As an avid hunter myself, I am pleased that Wyoming County will join with many other counties across the state to provide more opportunities for sportsmen and women in Western New York,” said Assemblyman Daniel Burling, R-Warsaw in a news release. “This will encourage new economic growth and promote outdoor recreation in Wyoming County, beginning in the fall hunting season.” The signing ends a two-year process. The Wyoming County Board of Supervisors rejected the first proposal in 2009. It was then approved last year before stalling at the state level. Although the Assembly approved the measure, it never came before the State Senate. Area lawmakers blamed bitter partisan politics at the time. Hunters in Wyoming County have been traditionally limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders, pistols and bows when hunting large game. Although rifle hunting is now legal, it’s on a trial basis only. The new law will be effective until Jan. 1, 2014, at which point it expires. Renewal by the state Legislature will be needed for rifle hunting to remain legal afterward. “I am happy to have worked with state Sen. Pat Gallivan to allow the hunting of deer and bear with a rifle,” Burling said. “This was a top priority for us this session and I am very pleased that Gov. Cuomo has signed this legislation into law.” Gallivan, R-Depew, said the rifle hunting law is another small example New York is turning itself around, in terms of ending dysfunction and embracing a new sense of common purpose and mutual cooperation. “Hunting large game by rifle is legally practiced across much of New York but until now has been unavailable to Wyoming County’s sportsmen,” he said in a statement. “This law ensures that Wyoming County will continue to be a top destination for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, bolstering the County’s economy and enhancing its growing tourism industry.” Rifle hunting is already legal in nearby Allegany counties, and the Southern Tier in general. Opponents have worried about Wyoming County’s population density and rifles’ greater range. Supporters say rifles are more accurate and humane, and will reduce the need for multiple shots.
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