Senate Passes Legislation to Expand Sporting Opportunities

David J. Valesky

March 1, 2011

The State Senate today passed legislation supported by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that would expand opportunities for New Yorkers to participate in sporting activities including snowmobiling and hunting.

“Outdoor activities including hunting and snowmobiling are very important to life in Upstate New York, providing entertainment for residents and economic activity by drawing people to the area,” Senator Valesky said. “This legislation will give more New Yorkers additional opportunities to participate.”

The legislative package included:

S.177A: allows 12-year-olds to obtain a junior archery license, making it consistent with age requirements for a junior hunting license. In order to hunt, junior licenseholders must abide by several provisions, including being accompanied at all times by an experienced parent, guardian or adult.

S794: enables interested parties who do not have a fishing license to participate in school or university-sponsored non-commerical fishing classes or clinics. Current law states that in order to participate, anyone over 16 must have a fishing license.

S554: authorizes persons under the age of 14 to participate in snocross events. Eligibility requirements for these special events would have rules established by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. By changing the age eligibility, snocross would have similar age requirements as motocross, ATVs and motorcycles. These events bring thousands of people to Upstate New York and generate significant economic activity.

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