Niagara Leader

Today, standing with the owners of Escarpment Arms, New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign Senate Bill S.8382B into law. The bill would allow for rifle hunting of big game in Niagara County.

The legislation passed both the Senate and the Assembly with bipartisan support and aims to amend existing conservation laws without incurring costs to taxpayers. Currently, the bill awaits Governor Hochul's signature to become law. Until then, the prohibition on big game rifle hunting in Niagara County remains in place.

“I, along with my partners in the Assembly, are calling on Governor Hochul to sign this bill prior to deer and bear hunting season. In Niagara County, sportsmen have been waiting a long time to be able to partake in the tradition of hunting big game by rifle within county limits,” said Senator Ortt. “Niagara County remains one of the last counties upstate where rifle hunting is prohibited. At the request of county residents and lawmakers, this bill aims to change that and allow more opportunities for hunters to exercise an American tradition.”

The bill includes limitations; cities within Niagara County such as Lockport, North Tonawanda, and Niagara Falls will be excluded from rifle hunting.

Once signed by Governor Hochul, the bill will immediately go into effect.