Assembly members Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) and Phil Steck (D-Colonie) are introducing legislation that will let deer and bear hunters in Schenectady County use rifles for this national pastime.

“Our sporting community enriches our region,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “This new legislation will ensure that our hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are allowed to use rifles for deer and bear hunting. Neighboring counties in the Capital Region already allow this practice and it’s time for Schenectady County to give hunters the same rights.”

“Schenectady County is the only county in the region that does not have this law,” said Assembly member Steck. “I’m glad to be supporting this common sense legislation with my colleague Assembly member Santabarbara.”

“Using rifles for bear and deer hunting has become more common in recent years and this legislation will help hunters in Schenectady County enjoy this national pastime,” said Mark Storti, a hunter in Glenville and past President of the Schenectady County Conservation Council.

The legislation amends section of the state Environmental Conservation Law to add rifles to the list of weapons currently allowed for big-game hunting in Schenectady County, which already allows shotguns, muzzleloaders, bows and pistols. If adopted, Schenectady County would have similar big-game hunting restrictions as neighboring counties in the Capital Region, including Saratoga, Fulton and Washington counties.