Amedore Announces Bill to Allow Big Game Rifle Hunting in Schenectady County

 Legislation that would authorize the use of rifles to hunt big game in Schenectady County has advanced through the Environmental Conservation committee, Senator George Amedore announced today.

“Allowing rifles for big game hunting in Schenectady County is long overdue,” said Senator Amedore. “I have gotten numerous requests from Schenectady County residents who enjoy to hunt and want to see this enacted, and I am confident we’ll get it done for them.”

“We appreciate Senator Amedore introducing this bill for the hunters of Schenectady County,” said Mark Storti, former Schenectady County Conservation Council President and former Region 4 Conservation Fund Advisory Board Member for DEC. “Senator Amedore has long been a supporter of the sportsmen and women of Schenectady County, and we appreciate his continued efforts standing up for the issues that are important to us.”

Under current law, big game can be hunted using shotguns, muzzleloaders, pistol, or bow, but not with rifles. More than 40 other counties throughout the state currently allow big game hunting with rifles, including each of the counties that border Schenectady County.

The bill (S.5316) was passed in the Environmental Conservation committee on Thursday, May 28^th and is expected to be passed by the Senate by the conclusion of this year’s legislative session on June 19^th.

If signed into law, the legislation would take effect immediately.

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