Senate Passes Bill to Eliminate the Use of Back Tags for Hunters

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announced the Senate has passed a bill (S-92) that will eliminate a requirement that hunters display and wear back tags while hunting in New York State.  The legislation would amend environmental conservation law and eliminate confusion over hunting requirements.  

“The back tag requirement is an example of an unnecessary and burdensome regulation,” Gallivan said.  “The law is not uniform throughout the state and back tags are not required in most other states.  It’s time to simplify the regulation and eliminate the confusion.” 

Currently, back tags are not required to be worn or displayed while hunting in the Northern zone and Catskill Park area of New York, but are required elsewhere in the state.  New York is one of just two states that require the use of back tags which lead to confusion among hunters, especially along New York’s borders. 

Gallivan urges hunters to contact their Assembly representative and call on them to follow the Senate’s lead by passing the legislation. 

The bill is included in a package of legislation the Senate is passing to mark Earth Week.  The measures create new protections for natural resources, promote tourism and outdoor recreational activities, help create green jobs and encourage energy conservation. 

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