The stretch of beautiful spring-like weather we’ve enjoyed recently gives new meaning to the term “spring fever,” especially after what has been a rather long winter season, one that began with a heavy snowfall last October 29. Few outdoor enthusiasts have found the mild days more promising than have the legions of New York trout anglers. With the opener less than two weeks away (April 1), many hope it results in better stream and angling conditions. Sadly, history doesn’t support that promise.
Late March in our area can be a terrible tease. We may get a short stretch of beautiful weather such as we’ve had of late, only to be followed by cold Canadian air ushering in snow and winter-like conditions. My advice to trout fishermen is, hope for the best and prepare for the worse. Next week, we’ll start talking early spring trout fishing, but for now, let’s consider what’s being considered in Albany that may impact sportsmen and others.

License Fee Increases
With the new higher New York sportsmen’s license fees being proposed and honed, the ones I found rather disappointing had to do with age. Both the bowhunting and muzzleloading are being jumped from zero to $5, but that’s only half the story. The qualifying age for both are being changed from 65 to 70. Although we’re living longer, there probably aren’t a lot of hunters over the age of 70 who still bowhunt, and even the modest $5 fee just might cause some of them to quit, especially those who’ve hunted and paid for licenses for many years.
For those under age 70, the proposed fees vary from a $20 increase for the Super Sportsman ($88), a $10 hike for the Sportsman ($47), while the fishing, small and big game hunting fees will jump by $10. Deer Management Permits will be $10, and the other fees will see increases of from $5 to $10. Non-resident hunting fees for both small and big game will increase from $110 to $140.
All in all, many feel the fee increases are acceptable, but are hedging because they fear the extra money generated my not be entirely used for fish, wildlife and related habitat programs. There is still considerable support in the state to separate fish and wildlife programs from the Department of Environmental Conservation and form a distinctively dedicated agency with its own funds generated by money from license fees, special sales taxes and appropriate fines.

Proposed New Gun Laws Skirt Supreme Court Ruling
There are a slew of bills in the legislature awaiting action, many of which deal with firearms, ammunition and hunting, but history shows that few would actually be beneficial in reducing violent crime. In fact, history shows crime actually increases where stronger gun control is implemented since it gives weapon-bearing criminals a “safer environment” to prey on unarmed citizens. In an attempt to circumvent the historic Supreme Court Second Amendment ruling of 2008, the anti-gun people are now attacking the ammo rather than the guns.
Gun control at a highly restrictive level New York State has never seen before is imbedded in a local law under consideration by the Albany County Legislature. Local Law "A" for 2009 would tightly regulate "in the interests of public safety" all ammunition sold in Albany County. Not just ammo for handguns, which already is closely monitored by state law, but all rifle and shotgun ammunition as well including hunting and target shooting ammo. Anyone buying rounds or shells, even .22s, would have to show identification, declare the gun and have its serial number registered with the ammo seller. The buyer would have to state his intent of use, and could be refused the purchase. The ammo seller, at the same time, would be required to keep records for 10 years.
Assembly Bill 6433, sponsored by State Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-32, Queens), would require anyone who purchases ammunition to register the ammunition with the state at the time of the sale or transfer. Purchasers would be required to include his or her name, date of birth, address, caliber, make, model, manufactures name, and the serial number ofhis or her firearm, of which law enforcement agencies would track and keep on file. On top of that, any in order to purchase ammo, a person would have to be at least 21 years of age and provide two forms of identification.
Assembly Bill 6468, sponsored by State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-16, Great Neck), would ban the sale of semi-automatic handguns not equipped with so-called "microstamping" technology. The bill requires all semiautomatic pistols sold in the state to microstamp an array of characters that identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol on the firing pin or breechface, which would imprint the characters onto the cartridge case upon firing. Microstamping is an unproven technology that can easily be defeated with common household tools, has no public safety value, and adds substantially to the cost of the firearm.
On a more positive note, Senate bill S22, calls for the DEC to develop standards for crossbow hunting by July 9, 2009. It would be up to the DEC to establish season lengths and address issues such as whether crossbows would be allowed during the regular archery hunting seasons or the gun season.

Crossbows Being Considered
The bulk of the opposition to crossbows comes from New York Bowhunters, Inc (NYB)., the group representing the state’s archery hunters. NYB always has been against any type of weapon that isn't a conventional bow that is drawn and held by hand during the archery season. Right now, the only ones who can use the crossbow are the physically challenged, and only 24 of those have been issued in the entire state.
In a time when hunting/shooting sports are under attack from all directions, the one thing the hunting fraternity doesn’t need is this type of self-centered attitude that ultimately pits hunters against hunters. With the state’s hunter numbers dropping steadily over the past two decades, and despite the lowering of the minimum age to hunt big game with a firearm, sportsmen, game managers and overall conservation funding could certainly benefit if this bill is passed.