Rifle hunting now authorized in Schuyler Co.

Schuyler will join the list of area counties where rifle hunting is authorized under legislation sponsored by State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) and given final legislative approval by the Senate today.The legislation (S.4127/A.7509) was sponsored by Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R-C, Horseheads) and approved by the Assembly in late June.“We’ve had a safe and successful experience with rifle huntinglocally, and so I’m pleased that the season will be extended to Schuyler County. It provides valuable economic and recreational benefits for our local counties,” said Winner.A 2007 Winner-sponsored law established a local rifle hunting season in Chemung, Steuben, and Yates counties on a one-year trial basis. Last year state lawmakers approved legislation sponsored by Winner that authorized rifle hunting for deer and bear in Chemung, Steuben, and Yates counties through October 1, 2011.The legislation approved today also allows rifle hunting in Schuyler County through 2011. It will now be delivered to Governor David Paterson to be signed into law.