Assemblyman Brian Miller- Dems Could Ban Competitive Hunting

Assemblyman Brian Miller of New Hartford was on Keeler Friday discussing the new proposed bill that would ban competitive hunting and fishing in New York State. Could the bill become law?

"Yes" - said Miller.

The bill, A722, has passed both the Senate and the Assembly in New York. Miller says that in prior years, the Senate was able to block the legislation because of their majority. That majority is now gone and with Democrats in control, there's a chance the bill could become law.

The Senate bill covers all competitive hunting, with the exception of fishing in New York State. "It shall be unlawful for any person to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote, or participate in any contest, competition, tournament, or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes or other inducement, or for entertainment," the bill reads.

The Senate bill also has provisions in place in the event that any animals are injured during the competition.

"Any wildlife injured during the course of a contest, competition, tournament, or derby conducted in violation of this subdivision shall be transported to a licensed wild-life rehabilitator or veterinarian for treatment or humane euthanasia if best efforts to rehabilitate and release the animal fail."

The bill would also require hunters to forfeit and remains of wildlife accomplished during a competition.

"The remains of any wildlife killed during the course of a contest, competition, tournament, or derby conducted in violation of this subdivision shall be forfeited by every organizer, promoter, participant or any other person16 conducting or involved in such contest, competition, tournament, or derby and the remains of such wildlife shall become the property of the department."

What can these opposed do?

Listen to the complete interview below: