Syracuse.com - Cuomo makes promises to outdoors enthusiasts in State of State address

[HuntingNY-News]

<p>Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech and supporting text handed out to reporters Wednesday contained several items of interest to outdoors enthusiasts -- ranging from his support of hunting crossbows to promising increased access to "untapped state-owned lands across New York." Cuomo said he recognizes that "sportsmen and sportswomen are the original stewards of our lands and...</p>

<p><br />Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech and supporting text handed out to reporters Wednesday contained several items of interest to outdoors enthusiasts -- ranging from his support of hunting crossbows to promising increased access to "untapped state-owned lands across New York."</p>

<p>Cuomo said he recognizes that "sportsmen and sportswomen are the original stewards of our lands and drive a significant tourism industry across the state," contributing more than $9.2 million annually to the state's economy.</p>

<p>The governor launched the "NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative" last year by reducing the cost and complexity of fishing and hunting licenses. </p>

<p><strong>His promises for the coming year include:</strong></p>

<p><strong>1). Support of a law reinstating crossbows as a legal hunting instrument and authorizing the state Department of Evironmental Conservation to regulate crossbow hunting.</strong></p>

<p>A two-year pilot program that only allowed crossbow use during the regular firearms and late muzzleloader seasons ended Dec. 31, 2012. The state Legislature failed to pass a follow-up crossbow bill last year. It's currently illegal to hunt with a crossbow in this state.</p>

<p>"The governor will resolve a lapsed temporary fix, making New York competitive with neighboring states and provinces, enhance New York's hunting destination reputation and give clarity to the sporting businesses that have held crossbows on their shelves for one year," the supporting text from Cuomo's speech reads.</p>

<p><br /><strong>2). Creation of a "N.Y.S. Adventure License." </strong></p>

<p> Cuomo intends to make it easier for those who have made a lifetime commitment to hunting and fishing.</p>

<p> "Lifetime license holders will now have the option of having one New York State Adventure License - a driver's license that includes icons for all of an individual's lifetime licenses," along with a boater safety certificate and the newly created State Parks Empire Pass.</p>

<p><strong>3). Increased access on state lands for outdoors enthusiasts.</strong></p>

<p>Cuomo proposed 50 new access points "to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoors enthusiasts to untapped state-owned lands across the state." These proposed projects include new boat launches, installing hunting blinds and constructing new trails and parking areas. It's not indicated from his speech or supporting text where these projects would be.</p>

<p><strong>4). Clarifying the limits of liability of landowners who allow recreational activities on their properties.</strong></p>

<p>"Landowners who have voluntarily opened their land for public use should not be exposed to lawsuits that result from accidents on their property." the governor said.</p>

<p>"Current law leaves too much open to interpretation, which leads to preemptive closures because landowners are unsure of their liability expose. Clarifying landowners' rights and liability protections could open up vast, untapped resources for hunting, fishing and many other popular recreational pursuits."<br /></p>

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog