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2010 Proposed Resolutions with Comments NYS CONSERVATION COUNCIL, INC. Subject: Bears and Bees 1-10 Whereas black bears destroying an apiary may be presently
taken or killed at any time by shooting, use of leg gripping trap with teeth,
snares or any device to entice or trap; Whereas apiary owners have available to them at no cost
D.E.C. personnel and materials for temporary use until apiary owners can install
the specifically designed deterrents recommended by the D.E.C; Whereas In Region 9, eight bears have been killed because
there were no deterrents in place; Whereas sportsmen, sportswomen and wildlife viewers are
being disadvantaged by present law; be it resolved
that the Cattaraugus County Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs requests the New York
State Conservation Council and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation seek any amendment to change Fish & Wildlife Law subdivision 2
of Section 11-0523 to: Any bear killing or worrying livestock on land occupied
or cultivated, or destroying an
apiary thereon must be reported to the D.E.C. for their recommended deterrents
or the animals be trapped and/or destroyed by the D.E.C. as they feel necessary
to resolve the problem. Contact: Thomas Vanderbosch,
716-257-3510
bosch257@localnet.com Big Game Committee
comments: While it appears
that the history of this is targeted toward certain repeat offenders, the
resources within DEC are not practical given the current economic position.
The timeline which could be a safety issue of someone really in peril
does not protect the individual for defending their person or property.
DEC is aware of this issue and will work toward its resolve of the
ethical vs. legal practice that is taking place. Votes: 2 support / 12 opposed Legislative
Committee comments: Support.
This reinforces DEC existing law; landowners and bee keepers cannot destroy bear
without notifying DEC that they have a problem. Subject: Rifle Hunting 2-10
Whereas
there are a number of counties in New York State that have center fire rifles
that can be used legally to hunt deer; Whereas
these counties showed no or little reports of unsafe usage hunting violations
due to center fire rifle usage; Whereas
Whereas
the Be
it resolved
that the New York State Conservation Council seek legislation which would allow
the usage of center fire rifles of .243 of greater for all townships in
Chautauqua County that are wholly or partially south of NYS Rte 20. Contact:
Gene Pauszek,
716/366-1772 Big Game Committee comments:
While in general the committee and the Council support expanded
opportunities for rifle use the specification of .243 caliber does not conform
to the current state regulation. There
was also discussion on the boarder line and the Legislative
Committee comments: Support;
should not list .243 or greater, as this is different than DEC Regulations; just
centerfire rifle. County needs to get the support of their county and state
legislators before the NYSCC can move forward with this. 3-10
Whereas
sportsmen who hunt big game in Whereas
at present, rifled muzzle loader and rifled barrel pistol are permitted during
the big game season; Whereas
at the present time, counties that have rifle season for big game hunting season
have not had any accidents since rifles were allowed in the counties; Whereas
be
it resolved
that sportsmen in Contact:
Ronald Barvian , 360 Route 20-A,
585/652-9625-H 716/863-1789-C Big Game Committee comments:
There is already a bill in the legislature for this addition to the list
of counties that have allowed rifle use in the traditional shotgun areas
(S7210). Votes: 14 Support/0 opposed Firearms & Ammunition Committee
comments:
The resolution is generally approved with the following recommendations: Whereas
#3 be amended; although the safety record of hunting with rifles has been very
good, in fact better than the record of shotgun only areas on a per capita
basis, it is not entirely true to state that there have been zero accidents. Whereas #4 be amended; the statement “Sportsmen feel the
rifle would be safe in Legislative
Committee comments: Support;
county needs to get the support of their county and state legislators before the
NYSCC can move forward with this. 4-10 Whereas the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation restricts the types of
implements that can be used to hunt big game to certain locations within New
York State, thus preventing New York State hunters from using rifles chambered
for pistol cartridges in shotgun only New York State hunting zones; Whereas Whereas New
York State hunters are required to purchase more costly shotgun slugs to hunt
big game in many hunting zones in New York State; Whereas younger and smaller New York State hunters are deterred from participating in big game hunting because they are prohibited from using rifles chambered for pistol cartridges which are easier for smaller or younger hunters to handle; Whereas using rifles chambered for pistol cartridges in big
game hunting in expanded areas of New York State would attract more sportsmen to
big game hunting, and New York State firearm dealers would gain revenue; Whereas increased sales of pistol cartridges to hunters
that are attracted to big game hunting by the ability to use implements that fit
their physical stature would lead to increased excise tax funds available for
wildlife research and conservation efforts; Whereas the flexibility to chose a hunting implement that
fits the physical and marksmanship abilities of the individual hunter would
increase the number of licensed hunters in New York State; Whereas the use of rifles chambered for pistol cartridges
for big game hunting is allowed in sister states that have established case
length restrictions to preclude the use of cartridges with lower power and
cartridges with higher velocities, and New York State hunters are prohibited
from practicing hunting for big game with rifles chambered for pistol cartridges
and preparing for a safe hunt in these states; BE IT RESOLVED that the NYS Conservation Council shall
support and seek to amend the big game hunting laws to allow the use of rifles
chambered for pistol cartridges for big game hunting in expanded areas of Contact: Jacob
Schuler,
716-799-3093-Cell jschuler257@yahoo.com Big Game Committee
comments: While most of
those in the committee agreed with the premise that the “traditional” pistol
cartridges have no more range than the modern shotgun range and that there are
current pistols which use “traditional” rifle cartridges, there are no legal
definitions of what caliber/cartridge defines rifle vs. pistol.
This would become a very huge enforcement issue and based upon that fact
the votes were: 0 support/14 opposed Firearms &
Ammunition Committee comments: This
resolution should be rejected. It
continually refers to “pistol cartridges.” While there are many cartridges
commonly used in pistols, there are no cartridges that are used exclusively for
pistol ammunition. SCOPE, the NRA, and the NYSCC are continually at pains to
clarify this fact to legislators who introduce legislation intended to restrict
access to “pistol ammunition” to holders of a NYS License to Carry Pistol.
To request the NYSCC to lobby for legislation allowing for the use of pistol
cartridges for big game hunting will be contrary to the NYSCC position and
undermine ongoing efforts. The majority of the points listed as “whereas” in this
resolution are poorly written, unreferenced, or unsupported statements. It is
unclear exactly what types of rifles and calibers the authors of this resolution
are seeking to hunt big game with, and questionable as to whether these would be
suitable for taking big game. The authors should consider submitting a
resolution calling for the NYSCC to support legislation authorizing the use of
rifle for big game in Legislative Committee comments: Oppose: What is the definition of a pistol cartridge? Handguns can shoot a wide range of ammo, the same as many rifle cartridges. Should be asking for the use of rifles for big game hunting. Subject:
Coyotes 5-10
Whereas
coyotes now inhabit most every county in good numbers throughout Whereas
coyotes are very elusive and prolific; Whereas
coyotes have become a problem to mankind and to wildlife in Whereas
coyotes are killed by people during the closed season because people view them
as a nuisance; be
it resolved
that the New York State Conservation Council request the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation to open the season on coyotes all year
long to hunting. Contact:
Jack Sincock,
607-733-4945 Small Game Committee comments:
This resolution was quickly defeated after Gordon Batcheller of the DEC
pointed out that the coyote is a game animal and the period in spring when they
are having their young would not be a time when hunting would be allowed. Law Enforcement Committee comments:
Cannot support the resolution as written.
The “whereas” referring to people killing coyotes during the closed
season should be eliminated. Legislative Committee comments: No opinion. Coyotes are listed as furbearers, so there needs to be a season. Committee agrees that more harvest of coyotes is needed. Subject:
Crossbow 6-10
Whereas
crossbows have been used by men for hunting and war since early times; Whereas
not everyone is physically able to hunt with a long bow or a compound bow; Whereas
most states in the eastern Whereas
NYS does NOT have a crossbow archery season for Senior Citizens or the
physically challenged archery hunters; be
it resolved
that the New York State Conservation Council put in a request to the NYS DEC to
enact a regulation or law to allow seniors or physically challenged hunters to
hunt with a bow during the regular archery season. Contact:
Jack Sincock,
607-733-4945 Big Game Committee comments:
Probably the next most contentious issue after AR’s.
Here again the law must be changed to first allow for the use of a
crossbow for taking of game. Because this resolution asks specifically for its
use during the special archery season, there are many opposed.
Some also feel it is discriminatory to only allow use by seniors or
disabled. There are no less than 8 current bill in the legislature looking to
legalize the use of crossbows. The
Council’s current position is to support its use as a legal hunting implement.
Votes: 3 support/ 10 opposed/1 abstain Legislative Committee comments: Support. The “be it resolved” should state “crossbow”, not “bow”. NYSCC has positions to make a crossbow a legal hunting implement and to allow seniors 65 and older or disabled to use a crossbow during bow season. Subject:
Antler Restrictions/Alternate Harvest Strategies 7-10 Whereas there has been a sustained effort on the part of
sportsmen who already have mandatory antler restrictions in their counties to
impose them on Whereas Whereas Delaware County Federation has continued to oppose
the restrictions in our county which comprises WMU’s 4O and 4P by an
overwhelming majority vote; Whereas the data coming out of the areas that were in a 3
year pilot program has had mixed reviews and should continue to be studied; Whereas the most negative potential effects of the
restrictions are not always quickly experienced and need time to be
appropriately studied; Whereas there is no biological need for mandatory antler restrictions; Whereas buck take from those areas that were supposed to
recover in 3 years have not recovered, and after 3 years one of the WMUs was
still down 39%; Whereas hunter satisfaction that was supposed to rise with
implementation has actually fallen. Dissatisfaction has risen double and triple
the rate of satisfaction. Whereas Whereas Pennsylvania has seen a buck harvest drop from a
2001 pre-restriction harvest of 203,247 to a 2007 harvest of 109,200 after it
had 6 years to start a recovery; Whereas Whereas BE IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC oppose the implementation of
mandatory antler restrictions in Contact: Dan
Owen,
607/265-3750
dowen@mkl.com Big Game Committee
comments: Legislative
Committee comments: Support.
Many of the “whereas” statements are debatable and are not needed, as
they will create controversy. The “be it resolved” is what we support; when
a county federation asks the NYSCC to support or oppose an issue in their
county, it should be done. 8-10 Whereas deer populations in Whereas Whereas the deer herd should be restored in a balanced and
biologically sound way by increasing the buck to doe ratio by increasing the
numbers and age of the buck population; Whereas implementation of new deer management techniques
and harvest regimes could substantially increase deer hunter participation and
satisfaction, and ultimately provide a better and more efficient tool to achieve
the levels of annual deer harvest needed for better herd management; Whereas there is growing interest among New York hunters to
refine their role as deer herd managers and expand their hunting opportunities
and satisfactions, including the opportunity to pursue and take more mature
bucks and create adult sex ratios that are in balance with deer herd health; Whereas certain areas, such as Ulster County, Sullivan
County, Greene County, Delaware County, Schoharie County and other areas have
overwhelming support for improving buck hunting in their local area; Whereas the DEC implemented antler harvest restrictions in
2005 in Whereas the expansion to include additional units is also
supported by Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen, Ulster County Federation
of Sportsmen, Greene County Federation of Sportsmen,
Schoharie County Conservation Association, Dutchess County Federation of
Sportsmen, Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Nassau County Fish and Game and QDMA; Whereas improved buck hunting could establish a statewide
precedent and have far reaching implications; Whereas improved buck hunting
will benefit all Whereas sportsmen with the
support of their communities requested the DEC improve buck hunting by
implementing yearling buck protection in 2009, the DEC withdrew the proposal and
other remedies have not been successful in accomplishing this requested change; BE IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC position be that an
alternative deer harvest strategy that includes antler harvest restrictions
needed to achieve greater levels of maturity among the buck segment of the deer
population be implemented in wildlife management units that have the support of
local hunters, such as unit 3A, 4G, 4R, 4S, 4O, 4P and 4W on an unit by unit
basis and that NYSCC advocate for and support regulation and legislative change
to implement said position including conveying said support in writing to the
DEC. Contact: Charles
A. Bevilacqua, Big Game Committee
comments: 3A/4G/4P/4O/4R/4S/4W
– basically the same verbiage and areas but their proposal states it includes
AR’s as part of the program. Interestingly
enough, the submitting organization is not part of these listed areas.
Same discussion points as #10 and #11.
Votes: 5 support/7 oppose/2 abstain Legislative
Committee comments: Oppose:
In “Be It Resolved”, should not have support of local hunters. It
should have support of the local NYSCC member county federations. We should
support our voting members. Also, it should not include a WMU where the 9-10 Quality
Deer Management Association Whereas it is sound deer biology to have a balanced age
structure of bucks in the herd; Whereas many deer biologists support protecting yearling
bucks in order to promote a balanced herd structure and sound deer management; Whereas
Whereas
we are confident in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
deer biologists’ ability to establish a standard that will protect the
majority of yearling bucks while making the majority of other age classes
available for harvest; Whereas
we are also confident in the abilities of New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation deer biologists to objectively monitor the effects of
any such program created in Whereas
yearling buck protection is supported by the majority of hunters in Whereas
sportsmen in many areas of Whereas we are comfortable with the levels of support and opposition in each WMU as determined by the spring 2009 hunter surveys, public meetings and public input; Whereas
furthermore we commend the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation willingness to adopt new and progressive strategies to protect the
majority of yearling bucks in the above-mentioned WMUs; Whereas
furthermore we offer our assistance to help New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation staff to educate and/or inform sportsmen and women on
the proposed changes; be it resolved
that the NYSCC take any and all steps to assist the DEC to adopt
progressive strategies to protect the majority of yearling bucks in the
above-mentioned WMUs as requested by the majority of sportsmen and that
immediately a letter be sent to the DEC strongly encouraging them to adopt
yearling buck protection in requested WMU’s. Contact: John Rybinski,
john101@windstream.net Big Game Committee
comments: One interesting
point that QDMA does not include in their YBP (yearling buck protection) is the
call for AR’s. They point out many of the benefits of protecting the yearlings
like education and hunter support, there are many methods other than AR’s to
achieve this goal. With current DEC
reports of yearling harvest under 60% we are not far from that goal.
Part of the opposition to this resolution is the fact that they include
the Delaware County WMU’s 4O and 4P which are on record as opposing mandatory
AR’s. Shortening of seasons,
single buck tag and other alternatives could help achieve this goal.
Votes: 5 support/6 oppose/3 abstain Legislative
Committee comments: Oppose.
In “Be It Resolved”, should not have support of local hunters. It
should have support of the local NYSCC member county federations. We should
support our voting members. Also it should not include WMU where the 10-10 Whereas the white tail deer population in Whereas Whereas the white tail deer herd might be restored by
increasing the buck to doe ratio, thereby increasing the number and age of the
buck population; Whereas the proposed implementation of new white tail deer
management techniques and harvest programs may increase deer hunter
participation and satisfaction, thereby resulting in an improved and more
efficient tool to achieve a raised level of annual deer harvest numbers needed
for better herd management; Whereas there is growing interest among New York State
white tail deer hunters to participate in deer herd management, and to expand
hunting opportunities and raise satisfaction levels, by increasing the
opportunity to pursue and harvest mature bucks and create adult sex ratios that
are in balance with deer herd health; Whereas the NYS DEC implemented antler harvest restrictions
in 2005 in Whereas Schoharie County is centrally located in the NYSDEC
Region 4 and has overwhelming support for improving white tail deer hunting in
their local area; and proposes that DMU 4G, a unit wholly contained within the
boundaries of Schoharie County, be included in the implementation of an antler
harvest restriction program;* Whereas the expansion to include Unit 4G is also supported
by several county conservation federations including the Schoharie County
Conservation Association, and QDMA. This
expansion would provide the first DMU in the upstate area of New York State,
affording more upstate area white tail deer hunters the opportunity to
experience hunting in an area with an alternative deer harvest strategy program
in place. BE IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC shall support an alternative
deer harvest strategy that may include antler harvest restrictions, to achieve a
greater level of maturity and numbers among bucks of certain area deer
populations, and that such programs be supported and implemented in the NYSDEC
Wildlife Management Units that have the support of the local NYSCC member county
conservation or sportsman federations. Contact:
Willie Karlau, 518-295-7781, bwkarlau@midtel.net Sponsor-suggested change:
*Whereas Schoharie County is centrally located in the NYSDEC Region 4 area and
has growing support for improving white tail deer hunting in their county; and
proposes that WMU 4G, a unit largely within the boundaries of Schoharie County,
shall be included in the implementation of an antler restriction program; Big Game Committee comments:
Specifically WMU 4G, which is wholly contained in this county, would like
to see the alternate harvest strategy implemented in this area because it has
the support of the “home rule” organizations in the county federation. They
support programs which may include AR’s but did not specifically state it had
to include AR’s. The issue that creeps into the conversation is that by
DEC’s accounts, there are more hunters from outside some of these counties who
use the area than those within. Because
of this the “home rule” argument makes less sense for both those
organizations for and against mandatory AR’s.
Votes: 6 support/5 oppose/3 abstain Legislative Committee comments: Support; would like to see the date listed when the buck harvest rule became effective, not just list “100 years of deer management”. Many changes have been made over the years but no change has been made in regard to the 3” rule for bucks. 11-10 Whereas deer populations in Whereas Whereas the deer herd should be restored in a balanced and
biologically sound way by increasing the buck to doe ratio by increasing the
numbers and age of the buck population; Whereas implementation of new deer management techniques
and harvest regimes could substantially increase deer hunter participation and
satisfaction, and ultimately provide a better and more efficient tool to achieve
the levels of annual deer harvest needed for better herd management; Whereas there is growing interest among New York hunters to
refine their role as deer herd managers and expand their hunting opportunities
and satisfactions, including the opportunity to pursue and take more mature
bucks and create adult sex ratios that are in balance with deer herd health; Whereas certain areas such as Sullivan County have
overwhelming support for improving buck hunting in their local area; Whereas the DEC implemented antler harvest restrictions in
2006 in Sullivan County in two units and the sportsmen of Sullivan Federation
are happy with the program and would like to expand the program to include the
remainder of the county contained in Unit 3A; Whereas the expansion to include Unit 3A is also supported
by Ulster County Federation of Sportsmen, Greene County Federation of Sportsmen,
Schoharie County Conservation Association, Dutchess County Federation of
Sportsmen, Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Nassau County Fish and Game and QDMA; Whereas improved buck hunting could establish a statewide
precedent and have far reaching implications; Whereas improved buck hunting
will benefit all Whereas sportsmen, with the
support of their communities, requested the DEC improve buck hunting by
implementing yearling buck protection for unit 3A in 2005, 2006 and 2009, and
the DEC did not adopt the proposal and other remedies have not been successful
in accomplishing this requested change; BE IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC position be that an
alternative deer harvest strategy that includes antler harvest restrictions
needed to achieve greater levels of maturity among the buck segment of the deer
population be implemented in wildlife management units that have the support of
local hunters, such as unit 3A, on a unit by unit basis and that NYSCC advocate
for and support regulation and legislative change to implement said position
including conveying said support in writing to the DEC. Contact: David Hartman, Big Game Committee
comments: 3A – basically
the same verbiage limited to WMU 3A and their proposal states it includes AR’s
as part of the program. Votes: 5 support/7 opposed/2 abstain Legislative
Committee comments: Support.
For our support, the resolution will need wording change in “Be it
resolved”: take out the whole thing and use the same as Schoharie County,
which reads: BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED; that the NYSCC shall support an
alternative deer harvest strategy that may include antler harvest restrictions,
to achieve a greater level of maturity and numbers among bucks of certain area
deer populations. And that such programs be supported and implemented in the
NYSDEC Wildlife Management Units that have the SUPPORT of the local NYSCC member
county conservation or sportsman federations. Would like to see the date listed
when the buck harvest rule became effective, not just list “100 years of deer
management”. Many changes have been made over the years but no change has been
made in regard to the 3” rule for bucks. 12-10 Whereas deer populations in Whereas Whereas the deer herd should be restored in a balanced and
biologically sound way by increasing the buck to doe ratio by increasing the
numbers and age of the buck population; Whereas implementation of new deer management techniques
and harvest regimes could substantially increase deer hunter participation and
satisfaction, and ultimately provide a better and more efficient tool to achieve
the levels of annual deer harvest currently needed for better overall herd
management; Whereas there is growing interest among New York hunters to
refine their role as deer herd managers and expand their hunting opportunities
and satisfactions, including the opportunity to pursue and take more mature
bucks and create adult sex ratios that are in balance with deer herd health; Whereas certain areas, such as Whereas the DEC implemented antler harvest restrictions in
2005 in Ulster County in two units and the sportsmen of New York who hunt in the
affected WMU’s are satisfied with the antler restriction program and
furthermore would like to expand the program to include the remainder of the
county that includes WMU 3A; Whereas the expansion to include Unit 3A is also supported
by Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen, Greene County Federation of
Sportsmen, Schoharie County Conservation Association, Dutchess County Federation
of Sportsmen, Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Nassau County Fish and Game, NYS
Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association, Ulster County Farm Bureau,
Greene County Farm Bureau, and Schoharie County Farm Bureau; Whereas improved buck hunting could serve to promote hunter
participation and enhance long term hunter satisfaction; BE IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC support an alternative deer
harvest strategy that includes antler harvest restrictions needed to achieve
greater levels of maturity among the buck segment of the deer population in
Wildlife Management Units that have the support of local hunters, such as WMU
3A; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DEC embrace, coordinate and
promptly adopt such strategies where stakeholder interest is over 50%. Contact: Big Game Committee
comments: basically the same
verbiage limited to WMU 3A, and their proposal states it includes AR’s as part
of the program. They also want DEC
to recognize any stake holder interest above 50% (simple majority) be the
controlling percentage. Votes: 5 support/7 opposed/2 abstain Legislative
Committee comments: Support.
For our support, it will need wording change in “Be it resolved”:
take out the whole thing and use the same as Schoharie County, which reads: BE
IT THEREFORE RESOLVED; that the NYSCC shall support an alternative deer harvest
strategy that may include antler harvest restrictions, to achieve a greater
level of maturity and numbers among bucks of certain area deer populations. And
that such programs be supported and implemented in the NYSDEC Wildlife
Management Units that have the SUPPORT of the local NYSCC member county
conservation or sportsman federations. And remove the second “be it
resolved” about interest over 50 %. Would like to see the date listed when the
buck harvest rule became effective, not just list “100 years of deer
management”. Many changes have been made over the years but no change has been
made in regard to the 3” rule for bucks. Subject: 13-10 Whereas
the present rules and regulations relating to Spring Turkey Hunting allows them
to be hunted from sunrise until noon; Whereas these hours were based upon the belief that it would protect the nesting habits of the hen turkey; Whereas
this belief has since been disproved by scientific and biological research as
well as by many states that have an all day season with no detrimental effects; Whereas
the turkey population in Whereas hunting plays only a small part in the mortality of
turkeys; BE
IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC seek a change in the DEC rules and regulations that
would allow the hunting of turkeys during the spring season from 1/2 hour before
sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Contact: Dan
Owen, Small Game
Committee comments: Opposed.
NWTF is conducting a research program in the state over the next four
years at a cost of $75,000 per year. The
study will be on habitat and weather to determine what is a maximum resource
that will be available to sportsmen and women in any area of the state. Legislative
Committee comments: No
position. Does not require
legislation, but should have input from biologists from DEC and National Wild
Turkey Federation before any decision is made. 14-10
Whereas the
Fall Turkey Season in Wildlife Management Units ends two weeks earlier in 9A,
9C, 9F, 8A ,8C, 8F, 8G, 8H and 8J than other Wildlife Management Units in the
Regions, causing less recreation time for hunters pursuing their sport or
causing them to drive greater distances to hunt wild turkeys; Whereas it is
strictly a social issue and that has been expressed by a person involved with
small game and the NYSDEC. Another
person working for the Department also wrote it will give youth a chance to hunt
an hour or two after school close to their home; Whereas it
would spread turkey hunters out over a greater area and not concentrate their
hunting to just the Southern Wildlife Management Units in late season. This
would also result in a harvest of birds more evenly taken throughout the Regions
rather than the Southern Wildlife Management Units; be it resolved that that
NYSCC work with the NYSDEC and bring Wildlife Management Units 9A, 9C, 9F, 8C,
8F, 8G, 8H and 8J in line with other Wildlife Management Units in the Regions.
To make it more uniform also include 7A to the same date closing as these units
which now closes on the same date as these units. This would only consist of a
regulation change for dates to coincide with the other Units in the Regions. Contact:
Dan Tone, Small Game
Committee comments: Opposed.
NWTF is conducting a research program in the state over the next four
years at a cost of $75,000 per year. The
study will be on habitat and weather to determine what is a maximum resource
that will be available to sportsmen and women in any area of the state. Subject: Late
Archery/Muzzleloader Season 15-10
Whereas
the length of the late archery/muzzleloader season is only 9 days; Whereas
archery/muzzleloader season hunters can only take one buck as it is now, thus
not perpetuating a perceived "more buck opportunity"; Whereas
neighboring states Whereas
these neighboring states may be taking licensing money from NY hunters seeking
more opportunity afield; Whereas
time afield during Christmas vacation from schools will allow for high quality
family time; Whereas
any opportunity to provide time afield for hunters also provides time afield for
youth; Whereas
a conscious hunter can distinguish the difference between a snowmobile and a
deer; Whereas
farmers who rely on hunters to control deer herds can allow or disallow hunters
and/or snowmobiles through their properties at their discretion; BE
IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC pursue with the DEC that the late
archery/muzzleloader season start the day after regular firearms season and end
on December 30 every year. Contact:
Adam Ziccardi, Sponsor clarification:
Resolution refers to southern zone. Big Game Committee comments: In general we are always looking at
expanding opportunities, there are several problems with this resolution.
This resolution does not specify northern or southern zone.
While some areas of the state could tolerate an extended season some
areas can’t withstand taking more. Additional
concerns over existing snowmobile agreements where they have agreed to not use
the trails until the big game season ends could create issues between the
groups. In addition states which
were referenced as having extended seasons, have much shorter and limited
seasons. Votes: 2 support/11
opposed/1 abstain Subject: Public
Comment Period for Rule/Reg Changes 16-10
Onondaga County
Contact:
Patrick M. Grady, 315/491-4299 Legislative Committee comments: No Position. The request in the resolution is already done. When regulations are changed they are posted on the Register for comments. In the case of bass seasons, the regulations were posted, then modified from those comments received. DEC states that when the regulation change was for the whole state, one body of water was not significant enough to warrant reposting of the change that was implemented from comments received. Subject: Youth Hunting 17-10
Background:
In Whereas
the DEC currently does not have the regulatory authority in Region #1 to create
a separate youth Big Game hunting opportunity in Suffolk County; Whereas
current language in the Environmental Conservation Law dictates weekdays only
for Big Game; Whereas
last year, the legislature lowered the Big Game Junior license age to 14. The
assumption is that there is intent for youth 14 and older to have the
opportunity to hunt Big Game; Whereas
teenagers 14 and older are in school from Monday-Friday during the month of
January, and since Big Game hunting is closed on Saturdays and Sundays in
January, there is no opportunity for high school-aged junior license holders to
hunt Big Game in Whereas
one of our goals as sportsmen is to facilitate youth hunting opportunities in
our state; Whereas
the sportsmen of Region #1 support the idea of creating a local Big Game Youth
Hunting opportunity on a weekend in January; BE
IT RESOLVED
that the New York State Conservation Council shall support any and all
legislation that attempts to amend the current environmental law to allow the
DEC to have the authority to provide for a youth Big Game hunting weekend
opportunity in Contact:
Ron Sineo,
631/862-8518
ducktruck@optonline.net Big Game Committee comments:
While
this deals with a specific issue and area, the Council as well as DEC has long
supported additional opportunities for youth hunting. While the youth do have an
opportunity to bow hunt on the weekends, it would be a great addition if they
could have one weekend set aside to hunt with firearms.
This again delves into the issue of regulation vs. law and if DEC was
granted the regulatory authority it would be much easier.
Votes: 11 support/2 opposed/1 abstained. Conservation
Education Committee comments (Glen Adams):
As this resolution is written it is a county issue and therefore should
not be addressed or supported by the NYSCC. On the state-wide level it is
questionable if this resolution is needed. I as a father of five boys, I
had always put the boys hunting first during their early years of hunting.
The fact that the season starts on Saturday gives parents and guardians an
excellent time to work with youth. The fact that the bow season starts
even earlier in October means many youth, parents and guardians have already had
time to be out afield with many of these same youth. I am opposed to this
only because I do not believe there is a need for this special hunt. Legislative Committee comments: Support; county needs to get the support of their county and state legislators before the NYSCC can move forward with this. 18-10 Whereas the
DEC currently does not have the regulatory authority in Region #1 to create a
separate youth pheasant hunting opportunity in Suffolk County; Whereas
current language in the Environmental Conservation Law dictates both the season
length and the bag limits on pheasants in Region #1, thus precluding any change
to include a youth pheasant hunting opportunity; Whereas the
new 10-year NYS pheasant plan includes an additional 3,000 adult birds to be
released annually in youth hunt areas only, on or before youth hunting weekend
each year; Whereas the majority of sportsmen in Region #1 support the notion that the DEC should have the same regulatory authority over season lengths and bag limits on game species throughout the state, and not everywhere else in the state except Region #1; Whereas one
of our goals as sportsmen should be to encourage youth hunting opportunities in
our state; Whereas the sportsmen of Region #1 support the idea of increasing local youth hunting opportunities; BE IT RESOLVED
that the NYSCC shall support any and all legislation that attempts to amend the
current environmental law to allow the DEC to provide for a youth hunting
opportunity on pheasants in Contact:
Ron Sineo,
631/862-8518
ducktruck@optonline.net Conservation
Education Committee comments (Glen Adams):
As this resolution is written it is a county issue and therefore should
not be addressed or supported by the NYSCC. Youth pheasant hunts take place on
the last full weekend prior to the start of the regular fall pheasant hunting
season in each area of upstate The above statement is out of the DEC website. The
issue as I see it is not the fact that it is a county issue as written, but this
should be an NYSCC issue as to why the DEC lacks regulatory authority to set
seasons in any area of the state. Could other areas make ordinances that
remove regulatory authority of the DEC to set seasons? I back the idea of youth
pheasant hunts; and this increases the possibility of youth taking one of the
limited pheasant resources. Small
Game Committee comments: The Small Game Committee votes in favor of the
Suffolk County resolution that would provide for a youth hunting opportunity for
pheasants in Suffolk County. Legislative Committee comments: Support; county needs to get the support of their county and state legislators before the NYSCC can move forward with this. Subject: 19-10
Whereas
the State of Whereas
the Conservation fund is also in financial stress; Whereas
attempts have been made to increase the numbers of hunters and fishermen,
particularly among youth; Whereas
services and property access benefits others in addition to sportsmen such as
boaters, hikers, bird watchers, horsemen, etc. Whereas
the habitat/access stamp has not provided anticipated monies and is not well
supported by non-sportsmen, although many projects funded by the stamp benefit
municipalities and non-sportsmen groups; Whereas
additional sources of revenue could become available if all users of state
forests were to make a contribution toward improving and maintaining access; BE
IT RESOLVED that the NYSCC work with NYSDEC to increase participation in the
habitat/access program by both the sportsmen and the non-sportsmen. BE
IT It
is recommended that if this is found practical, an appropriate legislation
request be submitted to the NYSDEC.
Contact: Edna Calkin,
Jack Danchak,
Bill Gaudette, Habitat/Access Committee comments : This resolution was opposed by the H/A Committee by a vote of 1-support, 5-oppose, 1-abstention for the following reasons: 1. Would require a law change – a difficult and prolonged procedure. 2. The administration would be complicated. The resolution calls for a “contribution” by non-sportsmen. If they are not presently contributing to the voluntary H/A Stamp Program, why would this approach work? In order to have any chance of success, both programs would have to be made mandatory to realize any significant financial results. 3.
If implemented in conjunction with the H/A Stamp, the
non-sportsman would have the right to representation with regard to decisions
regarding the project selections. Do
sportsmen really want that? Small
Game Committee comments:
Basically this resolution was all about the habitat stamp and the fact
that non-sportsmen have not supported the program.
Again, the idea was to make it mandatory to possess one if using state
forests for any reason. The
committee voted against this resolution unanimously, mostly by reason of the
difficulty to enforce it. Legislative
Committee comments: Oppose.
The way this is written, it does not state if a person with a hunting, trapping
or fishing license would be exempt. It looks like they would have to buy the
Habitat and Access Stamp. The NYSCC is in favor of a mandatory Habitat and
Access Stamp, but only after some changes are made to make sure the money is
used correctly. As for non-sportsmen paying a fee, where should that money go?
This needs more facts about what Subject:
Wanton Waste 20-10 Whereas there currently is no wanton waste law for
whitetail deer in Whereas deer and other game animals are being harvested and
disposed of without being consumed or donated to the Venison Donation Coalition; Whereas wild game, particularly, whitetail deer, are an
excellent source of low fat nutrition; Whereas it is unethical to
harvest an animal without salvaging the edible meat, be it resolved
that the NYS Conservation Council recommend that the NY State Legislature pass a
law that requires anyone who kills or wounds a deer, including DMAP and nuisance
permit holders, to make every effort to retrieve the wounded or dead animal and
that the edible meat be salvaged. Contact: James
Bobnick, Big Game Committee comments:
While the intent of this new law would be commendable, the issue of how
to determine “every effort” was taken could be an issue with law enforcement
officials. On DMAP it is already in
the guidelines that every effort be taken, but there is no law stating that.
Votes: 6 support/7 oppose/1 abstain Legislative Committee comments: No opinion. Idea is good, but wording could present problems for hunters. It should be for anyone who takes or attempts to take deer. Also add “salvaged where it is legal to do so.” This would alleviate the problem of a wounded deer that ran onto posted lands that are not accessible to the person trying to retrieve the deer. Subject: Hunter Education in Schools 21-10 Whereas hunting promotes responsible use of firearms and of
Whereas hunting promotes a political climate that supports Whereas hunting in Whereas hunter safety teaches responsibility to the land,
landowners, other hunters, wildlife, the public and oneself; Whereas hunter safety highlights the hunter's importance to
conservation and wildlife management; Whereas hunter safety encourages strong ethical values and
teaches the qualities of a responsible hunter; Whereas hunter safety students are taught valuable lessons
regarding how DEC programs are funded and the importance of the Pittman
Robertson tax to that funding; Whereas hunter safety students learn that the interaction with family and friends provided in the hunting experience has a strong social value which adds to their growth and development; Whereas lessons taught in hunter safety go far beyond
harvesting game--they are essentially life's lessons and are valuable to all New
Yorkers; BE IT RESOLVED that the New York State Conservation Council
introduce and promote the passage of legislation that would make instruction of
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hunter Education
Course mandatory in New York State's public schools when ten or more students
request the course during the school year. Contact: Stephen
Weckelman, Conservation
Education Committee comments (Glen Adams):
As hunter educators we do promote the idea of being able to teach hunter
education in schools, but the fact that this resolution asks for mandatory
class within the school if 10 students request it does not address several
problems: first is that hunter educators are volunteers and making a time and
place mandatory may not work with the volunteer work force. Second, in this time
of economic crisis making a school come up with paid teachers to train this
class is not likely to fly nor would I as a tax payer support it in my school
district. The group I help out in archery and I’m sure the hunter safety
educators would jump at the chance to teach part of the class within school
facilities. Maybe the resolution should be re-written to mandate that
school facilities be made available to NYS DEC hunter educators after the normal
school hours at a reasonable time when both school facilities and volunteer
hunter educators can work out a class schedule. Small Game Committee comments: While a majority of the committee approved the resolution after a discussion, the proposal was thought to be difficult to achieve because of school policies regarding the same. Hunter Education
Committee comments: The vote was to not support the resolution from
Yates County; the committee felt that it would have a better chance of becoming
law if the word “mandatory” was removed from the resolution. Legislative Committee comments: Support. “Be it resolved” needs to have added: legislation to direct the Dept. of Education to implement hunter education in schools, and that the schools must work with hunter educators in the instruction of the course. County needs to get the support of their county and state legislators before the NYSCC can move forward with this. |