Ritchie Measure Would Create Hunter Safety Tax Credit

Legislation Would Promote Hunting Safety by Helping Volunteers Cover Mileage, Equipment Costs

In an effort to recognize volunteer hunter safety instructors for the work they do to make the sport safer, State Senator Patty Ritchie has introduced legislation that would provide a tax credit for certified hunting safety course instructors.

The measure—Senate bill 4961—would create a $300 tax credit for instructors of hunting safety courses, which aspiring hunters and trappers must complete in order to purchase a first-time sporting license.  The tax credit would help volunteers pay necessary expenses, like mileage and equipment costs incurred while becoming certified and teaching courses. 

“Last year’s hunting season was the safest on record, thanks to the hundreds of men and women who volunteer their time to teach safety basics to new hunters across New York State,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This legislation will recognize volunteers for the work they do to encourage safety and responsibility amongst aspiring hunters, as well as encourage other people to dedicate their time becoming certified hunting safety course instructors, which will make the sport safer for all sportsmen.”

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Senator Ritchie has made it a priority to stand up for sportsmen in Albany, working to spearhead legislation and initiatives that improve the outdoors experience for people across the state. Recently, in recognition of her efforts, Senator Ritchie was honored by the Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen with the group’s “Advocate of Sportsmen Award.”

Senator Ritchie encourages anyone looking for more information about hunting safety, how to become a hunting safety instructor or a schedule of upcoming hunter safety courses required for first-time hunters—which are available from March through September— to visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website at www.dec.ny.gov.