NY gives final OK for rifles to be used for big game hunting in Orleans
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) announced today that bill A06521-A has been signed into law, allowing Orleans County to have a big game hunting season between November 15 and December 7. This also authorizes pistols, rifles, crossbows, longbows and shotguns to be used during this season and puts Orleans County on the same playing field as every other hunting county in New York, Hawley said.
“I am proud to announce that big game rifle hunting has once again been legalized in Orleans County,” Hawley said. “Hunting is such an important staple of our culture here in Western New York and my bill will include rifles, pistols, shotguns, crossbows and longbows in the group of authorized hunting equipment. Keeping our passion and traditions alive is immensely important for me and I will always stand by our right to hunt and protect the second amendment. I wish all hunters a safe and productive season this year, happy hunting.”
The Orleans County Legislature on Feb. 22 voted to allow rifles for deer and bear hunting.
Members of sportsmen clubs attended Legislature meetings last December and January, asking the county to support rifles for big game hunting. (Rifles have been allowed for small game, such as woodchucks, foxes, crows and coyotes.) The sportsmen presented a petition signed by about 500 people, supporting rifles.
The county resolution needed approval from the state before the law could be enacted.
