Rifle Hunting in Livingston County Is Now Permanent

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) announced today that Governor Cuomo has signed legislation she sponsors with Senator Patrick Gallivan to permanently authorize big game rifle hunting in Livingston County.

“Sportsmen play an important role in our local economy by supporting small businesses. I thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing the significance of this issue by signing this bill into law. I also thank my partner in the Senate, Senator Patrick Gallivan, for his tireless advocacy on this issue,” Senator Young said.

 “Hunting is a tradition for many families in Livingston County, and having access to rifle hunting at home will keep local hunters from having to travel to pursue big game. Our local sportsmen and women are proud to pass on the tradition and their faithful stewardship of conservation to the next generation,” said Senator Young.

Under the new law, rifle hunting for big game is now be permanently authorized for Livingston County. Livingston County joins 43 other counties across the state that allow rifle hunting for deer and bear. Rifle hunting for small game has been permissible in the county for many years, but big game was excluded and needed special legislation before it could be legalized.

In 2014, Senators Young and Gallivan secured passage of legislation that allowed Livingston County hunters to be able to take big game with a rifle, however, as with other counties where rifle hunting is newly authorized, the bill only allowed for it on a temporary basis. The two year trial period was successful and it is the reason why this bill was passed to make rifle hunting for big game permanent.

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State, with nearly 700,000 New Yorkers licensed to hunt and another 50,000 nonresidents hunting in New York State.

Up to date information on hunting seasons, licensing information and more can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65231.html.