I know what you mean Harry,,, I feel the same as you, I"m actually depressed over this....
As for holding public hearings,,, I'm told there weren't any,,, this was just a decision made by the ruling powers at the DEC on their own accord. Technically it's really a "policy procedural change" that was disseminated in the form of an official memo. Apparently the DEC has the power to interpret and implement policy and procedures with respect to hunting and fishing and enforce their decisions. I did quite a bit of research in the NYS Environmental Conservation Law looking for this new "law" but it doesn't exist, at least not yet. My friend said it was in the form of an official "memo" but he said we would probably see something in writing by next hunting season. Very strange way to run a government agency as far as I'm concerned.
As for the "firearms" part that you mentioned,,,,, got some more bad news for ya Harry,,,, and this is really weird....
The NYS Penal Law clearly does NOT consider air guns as firearm,,, but,,,, are you ready for this
??
The NYS Environmental Conservation Law clearly defines and lists all air guns as FIREARMS with respect to hunting and shooting laws. Amazing right ?? 2 different laws and 2 different definitions, but this fact should cause some concern for the air gun enthusiast in NY. This fact is especially important if a person were to be afield (hunting or target shooting) with an air gun that was made to be "neighborhood friendly" because under the E.C.L. laws you would now be in possession of a "firearm" that is equipped with a "you know what" and you could be in TREMENDOUS TROUBLE !!!!!!
The E.C.L. law also clearly states that it's illegal to hunt any game (key word being ANY) with a firearm (air guns qualify) equipped with a "you know what".
Anyway, I have to end this post,,, I"m getting to depressed.
Harry,, at least we can still shoot starling, pigeons, G-hogs and a couple of other non game species so it's not a total loss.....
Jeff
