~Legislative Report~

The New York State Senate asked for New York Bowhunter's input on five bills introduced by Senator Carl L. Marcellino. In general NYB supports the DEC's efforts to simplify hunting regulations and make them more user friendly. NYB believes that these bills are a positive step in that direction:



*S-6293. This legislation would close a loophole in the current law that allows a person whose license to hunt has been suppended to obtain a new license during the period of suspension. This bill makes sense as it enhances our ECO's efforts to keep persistent violators out of the woods.



*S-6294. This bill would improve compliance with current laws of persons between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age. Since 1993, 12 and 13 year olds have been allowed to hunt small game. However, unlike 14-16 year olds, they have not been subject to license revocation for hunting while unaccompanied by an adult. This legislation would also provide that if such license is revoked that the period of such revocation not exceed four years. NYB supports the bill and it's intent to insure uniform enforcement with respect to minors. NYB also supports the contention that young hunters should be supervised. However, in an effort to encourage youth participation we suggest that young hunters be allowed to hunt on lands owned by their immediate family for small game with guardian/parental consent and not require direct supervision.



*S-6295 In order to protect the integrity of the hunter safety training program and ensure proper training of new hunters this bill would allow the DEC to revoke the hunting license of an instructor that sells or issues a certificate to a person who has not completed the course. NYB strongly supports this bill and the proposed penalties to deter such activities from occuring.



*S-6296. To improve compliance with current laws this bill would allow the DEC to revoke a hunting license of persons who illegally take wildlife while in or on a motor vehicle. Discharging a firearm or bow from a motor vehicle endangers other users of the highway, residents and occupants of the vehicle. Incresing penalties for these acts should help deter people from engaging in this dangerous activity.



*S-6227. This bill would improve the safety of hunters and the public by updating the statutes relating to hunting while intoxicated. There is absolutely no excuse for hunting while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the penalties should reflect the seriousness of these crimes.



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