New York State Conservation Council

8 East Main Street, Ilion, NY 13357-1899

 

 

 

April 2004

Memo in Opposition

 

 

Bill Number         A10052                              Sponsor: DiNapoli

 

Title of Bill           AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to requiring certain persons hunting for big game to wear fluorescent orange outer garments

 

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: Each person who hunts big game with a rifle, shotgun, pistol or revolver shall wear a minimum of four hundred square inches of solid or patterned fluorescent orange material above the waist and/or a hat or cap of such material. The material shall be worn so it is visible at all times in a three hundred sixty degree arc

 

Reasons for Opposing

8     According to several hunter safety coordinators for 40 other states, there has been no dramatic overall decrease in hunting accidents since the regulations were implemented, while there is no evidence of a decline in big game harvests.

8     To satisfy the concerns of safety then everyone who is afield should be required to wear the blazed orange.

8     In the matter of square inches as a requirement, this type of regulation is difficult to enforce and for some small framed individuals could create a problem of being able to meet specified square inches.

8     Clothing color should never take the place of good sound education and common sense while hunting. This education reinforces the concepts of each shooter knowing their target and what is beyond before taking a shot.

 

 

For Further Information Contact:

 

Wally John, NYSCC Executive Chairman Legislative Policy & Affairs

845/657-8839 518/426-8232 Albany Office