New York State Conservation Council, Inc.

Resolution to NYSCC
2010- Ulster County Buck Hunting

Whereas deer populations in New York State, especially buck numbers, are currently substantially down from previous numbers in many areas and the herd must be restored;

Whereas New York's basic deer management strategies and practices are almost 100 years old and do not reflect recent advances and techniques rapidly emerging from the science of deer management;

Whereas the deer herd should be restored in a balanced and biologically sound way by increasing the buck to doe ratio by increasing the numbers and age of the buck population;

Whereas implementation of new deer management techniques and harvest regimes could substantially increase deer hunter participation and satisfaction, and ultimately provide a better and more efficient tool to achieve the levels of annual deer harvest currently needed for better overall herd management;

Whereas there is growing interest among New York hunters to refine their role as deer herd managers and expand their hunting opportunities and satisfactions, including the opportunity to pursue and take more mature bucks and create adult sex ratios that are in balance with deer herd health;

Whereas certain areas, such as Ulster County have demonstrated strong local support for improving buck hunting in their local area;

Whereas the DEC implemented antler harvest restrictions in 2005 in Ulster County in two units and the sportsmen of New York Who hunt in the affected WMU's are satisfied with the antler restriction program and furthermore would like to expand the program to include the remainder of the county that includes WMU 3A;

Whereas the expansion to include Unit 3A is also supported by Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen, Greene County Federation of Sportsmen, Schoharie County Conservation Association, Duchess County Federation of Sportsmen, Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Nassau County Fish and Game and NYS Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association; Ulster County Farm Bureau; Greene County farm Bureau; Schoharie County Farm Bureau;

Whereas improved buck hunting could serve to promote hunter participation and enhance long term hunter satisfaction;

BE IT RESOL VED that the NYSCC support an alternative deer harvest strategy that includes antler harvest restrictions needed to achieve greater levels of maturity among the buck segment of the deer population in Wildlife Management Units that have the support of local hunters, such as WMU 3A;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DEC embrace, coordinate and promptly adopt such strategies where stakeholder interest is over 50%.

Ulster County Federation contact persons:

Big Game Committee:
Jay Martin chairman P.O. Box 275 Accord, NY 12404
845-626-7659
e-mail captainjaymartin@yahoo.com

Jim Smiseth 845-687 – 0738

Willard "Bill" Smith 845-647-7246

Whereas, the sportsmen that hunt big game in Wyoming County are not able to use rifles for the big game season.

Whereas, at present rifled muzzle loader and rifled barrel pistol are permitted during the big game season.
 
Whereas, at the present time, the counties that have rifle season for the big game hunting season have not had any accidents since rifles were allowed in their counties.
 
Whereas, Wyoming County is made up of rural farm lands and does not have any cities. Sportsmen feel the rifle would be safe in Wyoming County.

Therefore, be it resolved that sportsmen in Wyoming County request the NYSCC to pursue legislation/regulatory changes to allow the use of rifle in Wyoming County during the big game season.

Contact:
Ronald Barvian
360 Route 20-A
Strykersville, NY 14145
Home - 585-652-9625
Cell - 716-863-1789

STEPHEN WECKELMAN, PRESIDENT
340E  ELM ST
PENN YAN NY 14527

CHUCK PARKER, RESOLUTION CHAIR NYSCC
8 EAST MAIN ST
ILION NY 13357
 
JANUARY 2010

WHEREAS, hunting promotes responsible use of firearms and of New York State's natural resources;

WHEREAS, hunting promotes a political climate that supports New York State's outdoor traditions;
 
WHEREAS, hunting in New York State generates a large economic impact providing $788,000,000 in revenue and creates 11,500 jobs (NSSF);

WHEREAS, hunter safety teaches responsibility to the land, landowners, other hunters, wildlife, the public and oneself;
 
WHEREAS, hunter safety highlights the hunter's importance to conservation and wildlife management;
 
WHEREAS, hunter safety encourages strong ethical values and teaches the qualities of a responsible hunter;
 
WHEREAS, hunter safety students are taught valuable lessons regarding how DEC programs are funded and the importance of the Pittman Robertson tax to that funding;

WHEREAS, hunter safety students learn that the interaction with family and friends . provided in the hunting experience has a strong social value which adds to their growth and development;

WHEREAS, lessons taught in hunter safety go far beyond harvesting game--they are essentially life's lessons and are valuable to all New Yorkers;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York State Conservation Council introduce and promote the passage of legislation that would make instruction of the New York State Department of Environmental• Conservation's Hunter Education Course mandatory in New York State's public schools when ten or more students request the course during the school year.