Legislation sponsored this legislative session by New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C-I, Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R-Big Flats) to permanently authorize rifle hunting in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The measures (S.5105/A.7380, Chapter 202 of the Laws of 2011, Schuyler County; and S.5106/A.7381, Chapter 203, for Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties) were approved in June by the Senate and Assembly.

In a joint statement the area legislators said, “We appreciate Governor Cuomo’s recognition of the economic and recreational benefits to our region of a permanent rifle hunting season. Area counties have had a safe and successful experience with rifle hunting, and we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to help make it a permanent part of the local landscape.”

State lawmakers first authorized rifle hunting for deer and bear in Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties, on a three-year trial basis, in 2008. A local rifle hunting season was established in Schuyler County the following year. The seasons were slated to expire this October.