A new measure authored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) that will allow the use of rifles to hunt deer and bears in Schenectady County was signed into this afternoon by the governor (Ch.75 of 2015).

“I extend my thanks to the local community for working with me to expand the hunting opportunities of our Schenectady County residents, and attract more sportsman to our area,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “This new law will allow hunters to use rifles for big-game hunting in Schenectady County, giving our hunters the same rights as those in our neighboring Capital Region counties.”

“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.

This law adds rifles to the list of firearms currently allowed for big-game hunting in Schenectady County, which already includes shotguns, muzzleloaders, bows and pistols. Schenectady County now has similar big-game hunting rules as neighboring counties in the Capital Region, including Saratoga, Fulton and Washington counties.