ALBANY, 02/28/11 – Cortland County sportsmen and women will be allowed to use a rifle while hunting deer or bear under legislation (S.1683) passed by the senate, Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) said today.

“This is common sense legislation that mirrors regulations already in effect in neighboring counties allowing the use of rifles while hunting big game,” said Senator Seward.  “More importantly, Cortland County sportsmen and women, who collectively have an impeccable safety record, strongly support the change.”

The bill amends section 11-0907 of the environmental conservation law to add Cortland County to the list of counties in which the taking of deer by rifle is authorized.  Current law allows for rifle use in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Chenango, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Yates and a portion of Broome County.

“With fewer hunters taking to the woods and the deer population on the rise, we have seen an increase in crop damage as well as a rise in dangerous and expensive car-deer accidents.  Allowing the use of rifles for big-game hunting will help combat these growing problems while at the same time enhancing the local hunting experience,” Seward concluded.

The bill has been sent to the assembly where Assemblywoman Lifton is the prime sponsor.

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