New York State Conservation Council

06/05/2026

Come on down to the NYSHS Trap shoot in Bridgeport!

06/04/2026

Visit with us and cheer on the high school athletes!
https://ny.usaclaytarget.com/new-york-trap-shooting-tournament/

06/03/2026

Take action and get involved!
Follow the NYS Legislative calendar, stay informed, and track bills:
www.nyscc.com/action #

06/02/2026

2025 Deer Harvest Estimates are in!
Interesting facts:
⭐Mature buck harvest exceeds yearling buck harvest
⭐ZERO positive results from 3,050 wild deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease
⭐The Youth Fi****ms Season deer harvest estimate is 2,567

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/5/dec-announces-2025-deer-harvest-estimates

05/31/2026

May 31st Is National Dam Safety Awareness Day: Take Action and Be Prepared!
Learn more with available resources:
www.damsafety.org/NDSAD

05/30/2026

NY is celebrating World Fish Migration Day!
Learn more:
https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/events/2026/5/world-fish-migration-day

05/29/2026

Have you been to the Empire State Outdoor Expo?
Are you planning to go?

It's going to be a great 2027! EXPO SEASON!

05/28/2026

The New York State Conservation Council commends the Erie County Legislature for successfully overriding the veto of Local Law 3-1, allowing Erie County families to participate in New York's youth big game hunting program.

This decision ensures that Erie County youth will have the same opportunities available throughout most of New York State to learn safe, ethical hunting practices under the direct supervision of a qualified adult mentor.

The Council has long supported efforts to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters while promoting conservation, outdoor education, and responsible wildlife management. We commend the legislators who carefully considered the facts, the program's proven safety record, and the benefits of introducing young people to New York's outdoor traditions.

Today's vote is a win for families, conservation, and the future of hunting in New York.

05/28/2026

It's time for Erie County to do the next right thing...

SHERIFF JOHN C. GARCIA
UNDERSHERIFF WILLIAM J. COOLEY

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF JOHN C. GARCIA

“Hunting is a generational tradition for thousands of our Erie County neighbors. It supports family bonding, safe firearm handling and healthy wildlife populations. The New York State Legislature accurately recognized this in 2021 when it authorized a pilot program allowing 12 and 13-year-olds to obtain licenses to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow. Adult supervision is required. The pilot program has been so successful – as shown by data - that the Legislature extended the pilot program in 2025. It is time for Erie County to opt into this program. Our county legislators must override the County Executive’s veto of Local Law 3-1 at tomorrow’s session.

“In vetoing this law, the County Executive correctly said, ‘(F)irearms and crossbows are tools that require sustained judgement, focus, and discipline.’ But he doesn’t take into account the data released by the Department of Environmental Conservation in February that shows this pilot program supports these qualities. In five hunting seasons since the pilot program began, there have been zero hunting-related shooting incidents, violations or license revocations. Not one. There is an obvious reason for this. The philosophy that is the backbone of this program is entrenched in the idea that hunters must learn safe hunting practices early in life. Five years’ worth of data shows that is exactly what is happening.

“Erie County is one of just two eligible counties in the state that still does not allow 12 and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with fi****ms and crossbows. There is no other state in the country that prohibits this. It just doesn’t make sense. Our county legislators have an opportunity tomorrow to right this wrong, and I encourage them to vote to override the veto.”

05/27/2026

Save the Date!
Learn more about the 2026 Fall Convention:
https://www.nyscc.com/fall-convention-2026