Steuben residents speak out against game rifle hunting
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Steuben County residents urged county legislators Monday to voice their displeasure with a proposed hunting amendment.

Town of Bath residents Rosalie Niemczyk and Patricia Eaton spoke out against a state proposal to allow hunters in Steuben County to shoot big game with rifles.

Rifles are now allowed in the northeastern parts of the state, but limited to Tioga, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in Western New York.

In Steuben County, hunters are allowed to use bows and arrows, pistols, shotguns and muzzle loaders to kill deer and bear.

Two weeks ago, a number of hunters and members of local sport clubs told the Legislature's Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee rifles should be allowed.

Supporters of the amendment said rifles, with a longer range of fire than shotguns, are not more dangerous to the general public. Opponents argued there are enough firearms for local hunters and said the amendment needs more discussion.

Niemczyk said some rural areas in the county are too populated for safe rifle hunting.

She told legislators a stray rifle shot destroyed valuable French doors in her home near Bath about 20 years ago and could have injured or killed family members. The family later learned a hunter mistook the family's pet donkey for a deer, Niemzcyk said.

Legislature Chairman Philip Roche, R-Erwin, reminded the opponents of the rifle amendment the law is a state concern, and that the local government has no power over its passage.

"Well, this body can support or not support the amendment," said Eaton. "You can at least do that."