Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States
On November 20, pro-sportsmen legislation introduced by New York Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Patrick Gallivan – which increases penalties for those who violate hunting, fishing, and trapping laws – was signed into law by the Governor. The law-abiding sportsmen’s community honors a strong tradition of ethics and respect for our fish and wildlife resources. However, there are some individuals who disregard these laws and Senate Bill 6557 (S.6557) has raised the stakes for parties who choose to take such actions.
Under the provisions outlined in S.6557, poachers who continue to hunt, fish, or trap after having their license revoked or suspended will now face misdemeanor charges, as well as a $1,000 fine and/or a maximum of 90 days in prison. By amending New York’s environmental conservation law to levee stronger punishments for these individuals, the state plans to thwart potential wrongdoers from proceeding with this illegal activity, while also protecting the interests of New York’s fish, wildlife, and sporting community.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) applauds Sen. Gallivan on his dedication towards the passage of S.6557. CSF supports efforts to crack down on those who violate state fish and wildlife laws and will continue to work with state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses towards this goal.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
