New York State Conservation Council

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

05/26/2026

Excellent R3 event in Region 8!

Support the next generation of hunters and hunting!

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it is a time to reflect, to show gratitude, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for future generations.

Please take a moment today to honor our fallen heroes and keep their families in your thoughts.

05/12/2026

Great job, CCE Saratoga County and New York State 4-H!

Attention anyone with a youth with Special Needs. Our local ENCON Officers are sponsoring a Special Needs Kids Fishing Day on May 30th at the 4-H Training Center.

05/07/2026

BREAKING: The New York State Senate has again passed a bill to ban the importation, transportation, and possession of certain African hunting trophies in New York. 🚨

The legislation targets lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, and both white and black rhino trophies despite overwhelming evidence that sustainable hunting supports conservation and local economies in southern Africa.

The measure raises legal concerns, including federal preemption, and is directly opposed by several African governments. Such emotionally based bans do nothing to curb poaching and have a negative effect on conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Couching this vote during an "animal advocacy" session of votes is disingenuous on the success hunters' contribution to conservation.

The bill now advances to the New York State Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee for consideration. Your NYSCC will continue engaging in opposition and urges New York residents to contact their Assembly members.