• We are in search of the following positions for the NYSCC board, we ask that all federations really look within their federation and participating clubs and submit nominations to Casey at [email protected]. All nominations will be properly vetted and voted on.

• President
• 1st Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

• Reminder: Resolutions are due February 1, 2023 to Stephen Wowelko at [email protected]

• Save the date: Spring Meeting will be April 1, 2023 at SUNY Cobleskill. More info to come via constant contact so keep an eye out.

NYSCC Members,

One message often asked is what does the NYSCC do. One item that is often mentioned is that we support or oppose legislation in Albany as necessary. Another comment is that we do not speak out on our actions/accomplishments enough.

As an example, below are two veto messages by Governor Hochul pertaining to (counties opting out) by local law and a specific ban on hunting on state land on Long Island adjacent to a rehabilitation facility. Bill Conners discusses these bills more in the next article. Both of these bills passed the State Senate and the Assembly and were delivered to the Governors Office. The Governor thankfully vetoed both of these bills and the reasons why are mentioned in her veto messages below. The NYSCC and the FWMB were strong in requesting that these bills were vetoed as it would undermine the authority of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Wording used in the veto message closely reflected what was used in the FWMB and NYSCC memos sent to the Governor requesting these bills be Vetoed.

We would also like to take this time to thank those that reached out to the Governor individually. May we also suggest that you reach out again thanking the Governor for vetoing the bills pertaining to the holiday hunt and limiting hunting opportunities on state lands.

This is just one example of the NYSCC stepping up and working with others in supporting the views of the NYS Sportsmen and Conservationist. You can visit the NYSCC website for other examples of our efforts. It is an ongoing process for a non profit group that has existed since 1933 (90 years).

With your support we will be doing it for the next 90 years.

Chuck Parker

VETO MESSAGE - No. 124 TO THE SENATE: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill:

Senate Bill Number 6510, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to biggame hunting season" NOT APPROVED This legislation would authorize any county to prohibit, by local law or resolution, any hunting during the seven-day special late bow, special long bow and muzzle loader season from December 26 to January 1 in the southern zone, a period of time commonly referred to as the Holi- day Hunt. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted regulations in 2021 establishing the Holiday Hunt. DEC received positive feedback following the hunt; families were appreciative of their ability to hunt together during the winter school break. I have heard concerns that the Holiday Hunt could interfere with other recreational activities, most notably snowmobiling. The safety of New Yorkers while enjoying the outdoors is paramount. For years snowmobiling and small game hunting have co-existed in the State without conflict. If signed, this bill would establish an extremely confusing patchwork of prohibitions on hunting during the Holiday Hunt and would have the consequence of undermining DEC's statutory authority over wildlife governance. Further, the bill as written could allow counties to prohibit small game and waterfowl hunting (not just deer hunting), which have been authorized for decades during the Holiday Hunt period.

Public education is the best way to manage multiple outdoor recreational activities and DEC will continue to work with relevant groups to track, over- see, and ensure a safe Holiday Hunt. Therefore, I am constrained to veto this bill. The bill is disapproved. (signed) KATHY HOCHUL

TO THE ASSEMBLY:

I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Assembly Bill Number 9895, entitled:

"AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the prohibition of hunting wild deer on state lands adjacent to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility"

NOT APPROVED

This bill would prohibit deer hunting on state lands adjacent to a wildlife rehabilitation center in the Town of Southampton in Suffolk County, where there is an abundant population of white-tailed deer.

Deer hunting opportunities consist of an archery season from October 1 to January 31, and a limited shotgun and muzzleloader season in January. Hunting on all state-managed lands, including those targeted in this bill, requires advanced reservations and daily permits during the January shotgun season.

Additionally, hunting is prohibited within 500 feet of a dwelling, farm building, or structure in occupation or use unless the hunter owns it, leases it, is an immediate family member of the hunter, an employee, or has the owner's consent.

Hunting opportunities are already heavily regulated in Suffolk County, and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has the statutory authority to regulate hunting in New York. This bill would undermine DEC's statutory authority over wildlife governance and would establish a problematic precedent.

Therefore, I am constrained to veto this bill.

The bill is disapproved. (signed) KATHY HOCHUL